Mesa Police Report 2023 shows rising assault rates despite overall crime decline

The Mesa City Council held a study session on April 10, 2025, focusing on public safety and crime statistics in the city. The meeting began with a presentation highlighting Mesa's status as one of the safest cities in the United States, supported by recent FBI data. The discussion centered around crime trends, staffing levels in the police department, and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies.

The presentation revealed a 2.5% increase in total Group A crimes from 2022 to 2023, with a notable 10% rise in crimes against persons. While homicides decreased by 48%, simple assaults increased by 25% and aggravated assaults by 12%. The chief of police attributed these trends to various factors, including economic challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, and issues related to the unhoused population.

A comparison of crime rates per 1,000 residents with similar-sized cities indicated that while Mesa experienced a slight uptick in crime, it remains a safe community. The police department operates with a staffing model of 1.65 officers per 1,000 residents, which is lower than some cities but is complemented by a significant number of professional staff performing non-sworn duties. This model aims to enhance efficiency and reduce the burden on sworn officers.

Council members raised concerns about the balance between maintaining public safety and managing budget constraints. Discussions included the need for additional funding sources to support police staffing and operations without compromising other city services. The chief emphasized the importance of effective deployment of officers and the use of technology, such as drones and real-time crime centers, to enhance safety and response times.

The session concluded with a commitment to continue analyzing crime data and staffing needs to ensure Mesa remains a safe and vibrant community. The council plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings, focusing on budgetary impacts and potential solutions for maintaining public safety while addressing community needs.