Suffolk officials touted safety in the county at a news conference Monday morning.

The Suffolk police commissioner stood with County Executive Steve Bellone to say that property crimes and violent crimes are down 5% this year. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

"We are utilizing intelligence-lead policing, we have increased the use of specialized patrols and targeted enforcement to hone in on the most violent activity taking place," said Commissioner Geraldine Hart.

The only category that saw an increase was homicides, with 21 so far this year as compared to 18 at the same point last year.

Nine of those homicides are domestic-related, according to Hart. Keith Scott with the SAFE Center says often there are things to look out for in these cases.

"Most people don't wake up and snap, usually there's a pattern of behavior, pattern of abuse," says Scott.

Scott added that everyone in their communities need to keep an eye out for potential warning signs.

"They can call the police, they can call social services to get help," says Scott. "Don't think you're going to ruin someone's family, you could save a life."