HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Gov. Dan Malloy says new statistics show Connecticut is ``moving in the right direction'' in efforts to reduce crime.

The administration announced data showing a decline in new arrests and jail admissions during the first six months of 2015, compared with the same period last year.

Total statewide criminal arrests were down 9.3 percent during the first six months of 2015 compared with 2014. Meanwhile, the overall inmate population dropped 3.2 percent compared with July of 2014, according to Malloy's office.

Last week, the Department of Correction announced it was closing 204 jail beds at the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Malloy, a Democrat, predicts further improvements because of his Second Chance Society legislation, which attempts to give nonviolent criminals more opportunities to reintegrate into the community.