BRANSON, Mo – According to the 2021 National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), crime in Branson is down for the fifth consecutive year. Between 2017 and 2020 the city experienced a 32% decrease in crime.
It is important to note that in 2021, the Department transitioned away from the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) and moved to the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) so there are no true comparisons available to 2020 as UCR and NIBRS collect and track different data. However, it is possible to compare the 2020 UCR Part 1 violent crime against the same type of offenses in 2021 where we saw a reduction in violent crime. Comparing all other crime is not plausible as UCR and NIBRS pull different data points.
“I am encouraged by the positive trends we are seeing in our community. These trends are the result of proactive community policing approaches and active community engagement initiatives. Last year, for example, 17 neighborhoods partnered with us to host localized neighborhood National Night Out events. These events strengthen communities by providing platforms that bring neighbors together and create safer neighborhoods,” said Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews.
In the full 2021 Branson Police Department Annual Report, Chief Jeff Matthews revealed that the Department continues to encourage residents to Dial 911 and saw a 25% increase in 911 calls from 2020 to 2021.
He also highlighted that the Department was awarded a two-year Skaggs Legacy Foundation grant and worked alongside regional partners to establish the Ozark Mountain Peer Support Team. This team serves first responders and provides assistance when crisis arise.
You can watch Chief Matthews give the full 2021 Annual Report to the Board of Aldermen during the April 21, 2022 Study Session at BransonMo.Gov/Livestream or you can find the full report on the City’s website under the Branson Police Department’s “Annual Reports” page.