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The Boise City year end crime index shows another decrease in crime overall - continuing in 7 year trend.

The major crime decrease is led by a drop in reported property crimes; Burglary down 4.4%; Theft down 3.8%. Property crimes are often called a 'quality of life" crime as it's property crimes like theft or car burgs that people fear becoming a victim of as opposed to violent crimes. 2011 statistics reflect studies that show people "feel safe" in Boise City.

Of concern are Sexual Assaults and Graffiti. Rape reports were down 20% last year. However reports of forcible sexual assault saw increases leading to a 47.4% increase in that category. So called non-forcible sexual assault, defined as incest & statutory rape were down slightly.

Graffiti continues to be a skyrocketing problem, up 34.3% in 2011, which follows a 39% in 2010.

Officer calls to suicidal subjects - people threatening suicide one way or another - have seen increases outside what would be considered a normal amount, since 2009. The calls increased again in 2010 and 2011, a 39% increase in suicidal subject calls since 2008.

Boise Police have added new training to officers on how to respond to those going through emotional crisis and are continually reviewing coordination with mental health crisis response teams from Idaho Health & Welfare. This trend continues to be a challenge for officers whose goal is a peaceful, safe conclusion for these calls, an increase demand on police resources to those in mental or emotional crisis, and a challenge for Idaho's mental health crisis system that goes beyond an immediate police response, not to mention a sign of increasing stress on many Boise families.

A reason for this increase has not been identified conclusively by Boise Police and seems to be a combination of factors. Idaho mental health experts say police statistics reflect a trend they too are seeing due to what seem to be a complex combination of factors.