The FBI has revised its 2022 crime data to show a 4.5% increase in violent crime, including higher numbers of murders, rapes, and aggravated assaults than initially reported. This change marks a significant adjustment from the FBI’s earlier claim of a 2.1% decline in violent crime for the same year, raising concerns about the accuracy of the initial reports.

The discrepancy stems from a transition in the FBI’s data collection process. The bureau switched from the Summary Reporting System (SRS) to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) in 2021. Many police departments struggled to adapt, leading to incomplete data submissions, which affected the overall 2022 crime figures.

NEW: FBI updates crime statistics showing that violent crime *increased* not decreased.

Trump was fact-checked during the debate after he (correctly) asserted that crime had increased.

New data reveals violent crime increased in 2022 by 4.5%, not decreased like the left… pic.twitter.com/ky4Y2pPf6j

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 16, 2024

In a statement, the FBI defended its decision to revise the crime statistics, explaining that it had to use statistical methods to account for missing data. According to the updated figures, violent crime did decrease by 1.6% from 2021 to 2022, although this is a much smaller decline than originally reported.

Moving forward, the FBI plans to issue monthly crime updates to ensure more timely and accurate data. The agency also intends to rely more on automation, allowing for continuous updates as law enforcement agencies submit their reports.

After Democrats and journalists have spent the entire election cycle claiming that crime is down, the FBI three weeks before an election revises their crime statistics showing that crime increased by 4.5% in 2022 instead of dropping 2.1%.

Incredible. pic.twitter.com/3wgaEsQoID

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 16, 2024

There it is: FBI "revised" violent crime data, now reporting that instead of a 2.1% drop in violent crime in 2022, it was actually a 4.5% increase. https://t.co/Bvbg0wKy1A pic.twitter.com/h6nfjRRlUb

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) October 16, 2024

The FBI’s revised crime data could impact public safety discussions, especially with many lawmakers calling for tougher measures to combat rising violent crime across the nation. Conservatives have long pushed for better data to guide decisions on law enforcement and crime prevention strategies.