Report: Crime falls along U.S.-Mexico border

The amount of crime along the border between the United States and Mexico fell between 2004 and 2011, a report from the U.S. Government Office of Accountability said.

In total, all border states saw crime fall off at an average of 27 percent over the seven-year span covered in the report.

In Arizona, violent crime in border counties fell 33 percent, more than any neighboring state. However, violent crime in Arizona remained higher in border counties than in non-border counties, with a 22 percent decrease in non-border counties.

Violent crime — specifically aggravated assault — rose in Pinal County by 22 percent from 2010 to 2011.

The report did note that crime may be going underreported, as some crimes may be committed by or against members of drug cartels.

Several politicians have said the upcoming sequester could cause the border to erupt in crime as funding for officers and materials is cut.