The Joliet Police Department reported notable year‑to‑date reductions in several categories of violent crime during a presentation to the City Council on Dec. 2.

The police chief told the council the city has recorded 386 shooting incidents through the year — a decrease from 614 at the same point in 2024, a reduction the chief described as approximately 37 percent. Aggravated batteries fell from 42 to 22 year‑to‑date, and aggravated discharge of a firearm decreased from 277 to 151. Robberies were down modestly as well, the chief said.

The department reported recovering 211 firearms this year, up from 183 at this point last year; tactical teams and automated license plate reader (ALPR/Flock) camera networks helped investigations. The chief also said the homicide detective division has maintained a clearance rate above 90 percent over a three‑year period.

Officials urged residents to secure vehicles and packages during the holiday season and highlighted community engagement efforts, including the department's Santa's Cop program, summer youth camp, and other outreach activities.

Council thanked officers for the reported reductions and for their community work; no formal action resulted from the presentation.