Mesa crime rates drop as Real Time Crime Center enhances public safety measures

The Mesa City Council held a study session on April 10, 2025, focusing on public safety and crime statistics, particularly regarding homicide rates and the effectiveness of the Real Time Crime Center.

The meeting began with a presentation on the significant decrease in domestic violence (DV) homicides, which dropped from 25% in 2023 to 7.14% in 2024. Additionally, the percentage of victim suspects involved in these cases decreased from 48.15% to 23.08%. Notably, mental health-related homicides fell to zero in 2024, down from four the previous year.

Council members discussed the impact of community initiatives aimed at reducing juvenile crime, emphasizing the collaboration between law enforcement, schools, and the judicial system. The Chief of Police highlighted the importance of early intervention and improved communication among these entities.

A key point of discussion was the statistic indicating that 64.3% of homicides in 2024 involved firearms, with nine out of fourteen homicides committed with guns. This was a decrease from 25 out of 27 in 2023. The Chief explained that the department's Crime Gun Intelligence Unit has been instrumental in solving cases by utilizing ballistic data to connect firearms used in multiple crimes.

The meeting also addressed the clearance rate for homicides, which stood at 92.86% as of April 1, 2024. The Chief clarified that this rate reflects cases cleared by arrest or exceptional means, such as murder-suicides. Out of the fourteen homicide cases, twelve resulted in arrests.

The discussion shifted to the technological advancements in crime fighting, particularly the Real Time Crime Center, which integrates various surveillance technologies to enhance public safety. The center has been pivotal in reducing response times and improving evidence collection. An example was shared of a recent homicide where the center's operators quickly tracked a suspect using live surveillance footage, leading to an arrest within six minutes of the crime.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through technology, including the deployment of automated license plate readers and advanced camera systems in high-risk areas. The city aims to continue leveraging these tools to foster a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

Overall, the session underscored Mesa's commitment to addressing crime through data-driven strategies and community collaboration, with a clear emphasis on the role of technology in modern policing.