Dallas Police Department reports 12.68% drop in violent crime rates

The Dallas Public Safety meeting held on April 14, 2025, focused on staffing levels within the police department and updates on the city's violent crime reduction plan.

The meeting began with discussions on police staffing, where Chief Ball reported that the department is nearing full staffing levels. He indicated that the goal is to maintain a total uniform staff of approximately 22, while aiming for a right-sized field staff of 17. The chief acknowledged the challenges posed by attrition rates and emphasized the importance of ongoing recruitment efforts, particularly for the fire department, which is currently experiencing a competitive selection process.

Following the staffing update, Major Nathan Swires presented the violent crime reduction plan. He reported a significant decrease in overall violent crime, down 12.68% compared to previous figures. Notably, aggravated assaults decreased by 11.22%, and business robberies saw a reduction from 61 incidents last year to 32 this year. The department's proactive measures, including the launch of focused deterrent units and neighborhood outreach, were credited for these positive trends.

The meeting also highlighted a decrease in murders, with 23 fewer reported in 2025 compared to the previous year, and a clearance rate of approximately 57% for those cases. However, there was an increase in family violence incidents, prompting the department to implement outreach programs at multifamily housing locations and provide training for residents and staff.

Major Swires concluded by discussing the deployment of new crime grids aimed at further reducing crime rates, with the latest phase beginning on April 1. The department remains committed to evaluating its strategies quarterly to ensure effectiveness in addressing crime in the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Dallas Police Department's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through strategic staffing and targeted crime reduction initiatives.