The drop in violent crime reflects a -13.0% decrease in murders and a -7.2% decrease in assaults. In property crimes, breaking-and-entering fell by -20.5% and arson by -28.6%.
Property crime was also down. Breaking-and-entering fell by -20.5% and arson by -28.6%.
Not all crimes reflected the same downward trend. Though auto theft was down by -15.7%, theft of motor vehicle parts was up by 50.0%. Overall, though, the numbers reflect a two-year drop in most categories.
But Chief Weathers said he doesn't like to "live-and-die" by the numbers.
"I don't like really hanging my hat on them because those are people that we're talking about," Weathers said.
And people, Weathers said, are also the solution. He said community safety relies on more than just how a police department responds to violence after it's happened. Instead, he attributed the decline to stronger ties between police, residents, and community organizations.
"You can't just have people see you when bad things happen," said Weathers. "You've got to be there when the good things happen, too. You've got to be part of the community."
Weathers encourages officers within the department to build relationships within the community, both on-duty, and off-duty. He said it's evident that trust is growing: he points at an increase in reports to Crime Stoppers and the success of ONE Lexington in building one-on-one relationships with youth and young adults at risk of gun violence.
Weathers said building trust and healthy community relationships helps people reach out before situations escalate into violence. He encouraged residents to call police when they first sense trouble, not after violence occurs.
"They're not calling to get somebody in trouble; they're calling to get somebody out of trouble," Weathers said.
The department also has civilian victim advocates who can provide resources to people who suspect someone is being abused.
You can reach Lexington emergency services by calling 911, or contact the department for non-emergencies by calling (859) 258-3600. Officers are trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation, and can connect people with mental health resources.