Mesa reports 2.5% crime increase but remains one of safest U.S. cities

The City Council of Mesa, Arizona, convened on April 10, 2025, for a study session focused on public safety and crime statistics. The meeting highlighted the city's ongoing commitment to maintaining its status as one of the safest cities in the United States, as emphasized by Police Chief Frankie.

The session began with a presentation of the latest FBI crime data for 2023, revealing a 2.5% increase in total Group A crimes compared to the previous year. The data, collected through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), categorizes offenses into three main groups: crimes against persons, property crimes, and crimes against society. Notably, while property crimes decreased by 2%, crimes against persons saw a significant increase of 10%. The report indicated a 48% decrease in homicides, but increases in simple assaults (25%) and aggravated assaults (12%) were concerning.

Chief Frankie attributed the rise in assaults to various factors, including economic challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, and issues related to the unhoused population. The council discussed the importance of comparing Mesa's crime statistics with those of similar-sized cities to better understand resource allocation and public safety strategies.

A key point of discussion was the number of police officers per capita. Mesa has 1.65 officers per 1,000 residents, which is comparable to cities like Oklahoma City (1.57) but significantly lower than Atlanta (3.91). The chief noted that a higher number of officers does not necessarily correlate with lower crime rates, emphasizing the effectiveness of Mesa's approach, which includes a mix of sworn personnel and professional staff.

Council members expressed concerns about budget pressures and the sustainability of funding for public safety. They highlighted the need to balance police funding with other community services, as cuts in other areas could impact the quality of life for residents. The discussion included the potential for additional revenue sources to support public safety without compromising other city services.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of data-driven policing and the deployment of technology to enhance officer safety and crime response. Chief Frankie reiterated that while staffing levels are crucial, the effective use of technology and strategic deployment of resources play a significant role in maintaining public safety in Mesa. The council plans to continue evaluating these factors as they work towards ensuring a safe and vibrant community for all residents.