Mayor and council tout falling crime numbers; residents urge more on shootings

Mayor Spiro Cheragatus presented summary statistics from the Mobile Police Department—s annual report, saying 2025 continued a multi-year decline in major crimes. He cited an "11% reduction in all part one crimes" for 2025 and a "12.1% reduction in violent crimes," adding that homicides were down nearly 16% year-over-year compared with 24 the prior period. He praised Chief Jackson and public safety director Graves and said the administration aims to fully staff the department by year-end.

Those statistics drew public comment calling for more action. Crystal Fry described ongoing shootings in multiple districts and asked plainly, "Who do I need to speak with to get some real solutions?" She said she does not want to "fill prison cells" but wants young people to have alternatives and asked council members to direct her to officials who have authority to act.

Council members responded with short- and long-term actions: they pointed to the city—s public-safety director as a contact and highlighted existing programs including weekly "Bridge the Gap" meetings for students with law enforcement participation and "Harmon Cares," a summer youth mentorship program operated with parks and recreation and public safety. Council members also invited residents to volunteer with mentorship programs and to meet with public-safety staff to discuss neighborhood-specific concerns.

The meeting closed with council members urging residents to bring concrete proposals and to use the city's contact points for follow-up. The council did not take a new formal public-safety vote during this meeting.