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Edinburg police report shows multi-year crime declines; drone first-responder program credited with rapid responses
Summary
The Edinburg Police Department reported multi-year reductions in crime and described a new drone first-responder program that located 149 people and cleared calls without patrol response; council and the chief discussed staffing, traffic enforcement and community programs.
The Edinburg Police Department presented its 2025 annual report on June 2, highlighting declines across several categories of crime and new operational capabilities. Chief of Police summarized department data showing a 22% reduction in total crime over five years, a 37% drop in violent crime over that same period and continued decreases in property crimes and DWIs year-over-year.
The chief emphasized community policing programs and training investments, noting in-house progress on an accredited academy: the department licensed its own academy and has cycled multiple classes through recruit and field training programs. He thanked city management for equipment and technology investments that support patrol operations.
A major operational initiative discussed was the drone first-responder program (DFR), branded internally as Raven. The department began autonomous flights last May; dispatchers and sworn pilots now operate the program. According to the presentation, between May and December the DFR located 149 people, cleared 52 calls without a patrol response and arrived on-scene before ground units 46% of the time. The chief said the capability reduces risk to officers and shortens response times for certain types of calls.
Council members asked about traffic enforcement and whether higher stop counts related to DWI enforcement; the chief said traffic enforcement has increased with additional officers and a local focus on neighborhood speeding. Council praised reductions in homicides and other violent crime and recognized individual staff awards the department received at the state and national level.
The department also noted investments in community events (including National Night Out), a visible new patrol unit rollout and recognition of officers and civilian staff for service. The presentation concluded with an offer to provide additional statistics and the full annual report book to the council and public.
The council did not take any formal legislative action tied to the report at the meeting; it remains information for future budget and operational discussions.
