- DeSantis’ “tough-on-crime” claims rely on inaccurate data, obscuring crime trends in Florida.
- Florida cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando saw significant upticks in violent crime rates.
- Evidence does not support the idea that progressive criminal justice reforms cause crime.
- DeSantis compares Florida’s overall crime rate to specific cities, creating misleading comparisons.
- Crime data analysis reveals complex factors at play, challenging DeSantis’ stance on crime reduction.
The Problem with Ron DeSantis’ Claims About Crime in Florida
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' claims of leading the nation in crime reduction and experiencing 50-year crime lows are based on flawed data, with significant gaps in accurate FBI data and methodological clashes in Florida's crime reporting. His comparisons with "progressive" cities like Chicago lack nuance, as crime trends vary within Florida, and evidence contradicts his stance on criminal justice reform causing crime. DeSantis' reliance on punitive approaches over root-cause solutions raises questions about their impact on safety, especially in cities like Tampa, where violent crime rates have surged, highlighting the complexity of crime trends and the need for accurate analysis and evidence-based policies.
LEFT-CENTER BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: HIGH
‘Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Claims That Illinois and Chicago Cut Police Spending Are False
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' claims that Illinois and Chicago have cut police spending are false. During a visit to Elmhurst, DeSantis criticized Illinois and Chicago for supposed "woke" policies and defunding the police. However, a closer look at police budgets reveals that funding for police in Illinois, Chicago, and other large cities in the state has increased since 2020. State police funding in Illinois grew by 15%, Chicago police funding increased by 11%, and other cities like Aurora and Joliet also saw budget increases. Governor J.B. Pritzker emphasized his support for law enforcement and criticized DeSantis for misusing the term "woke." Additionally, violent crime data from the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute suggests that Illinois and Cook County had lower violent crime rates per 100,000 people compared to Florida and its populous counties, challenging DeSantis' claims about crime rates.
We’re zooming into the 2024 race with the same bad crime-data analysis
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In his pursuit of the 2024 presidential race, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been using misleading crime data comparisons to paint Florida as a safer state compared to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. DeSantis' claims are based on selective statistics, with incomplete and delayed crime data making it challenging to assess the real crime situation accurately. He specifically compares New York's 23% increase in "major crime" to Florida's alleged 50-year low in crime, but these measures differ significantly. Moreover, when examining population-adjusted homicide rates, DeSantis's claims don't hold up, as Florida's rates are higher than New York's. This article highlights the misleading nature of DeSantis's crime-related arguments, emphasizing the need for accurate data and thoughtful analysis in political discourse.
LEFT-CENTER BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: HIGH