This report, based on the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, presents detailed data on the extent of reported crime in Arkansas in 1996 using the Crime Index for the basic measurement of crime.
The eight offenses comprising the Crime Index and for which data are reported include murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The data indicate 118,213 serious crimes were reported in 1996, with a 27-percent clearance rate. The crime rate was established at 4,732 serious crimes for every 100,000 inhabitants. Of 202,490 arrests made, 11 percent involved persons under 18 years of age. The value of property stolen amounted to $106,899,626, an increase of 3 percent over 1995. Theft of jewelry and precious metals accounted for property losses totaling almost $8.5 million. Firearms were used in 72 percent of murder and non-negligent manslaughter reported, 47 percent of robberies, and 29 percent of aggravated assaults. The 1,041 reported rapes represented a 13 percent increase over 1995. Of 8,996 aggravated assaults, 32 percent were committed using hands, fists, or feet and 29 percent were committed using firearms. Residential burglaries accounted for 73 percent of all burglaries reported. The 7,822 motor vehicle thefts amounted to an approximate value loss of more than $48.4 million. Only one law enforcement officer was killed in Arkansas during 1996 by felonious means while on duty; 323 assaults on officers were reported, and 40 percent of these resulted in personal injury. Tables and figures