From the offices of...

 the F.B.I.


Preliminary figures indicate that, as a whole, law enforcement agencies throughout the Nation reported a decrease of 5.5 percent in the number of violent crimes brought to their attention for 2009 when compared with figures reported for 2008. The violent crime category includes murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The number of property crimes in the United States in 2009 decreased 4.9 percent when compared with data from 2008. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Arson is also a property crime, but data for arson are not included in property crime totals. Figures for 2009 indicate that arson decreased 10.4 percent when compared to 2008 figures.

But...popular opinion and politicians think crime is on the rise! In fact, 75% of Americans believe the opposite. In fact, I would bet that they would still believe that crime has risen even if an F.B.I. agent came to their door and told them the truth. 

ps...crime has decreased in Phoenix as well. Sorry about that Governor Brewer.