KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Violent crime in Kalamazoo has dropped by nearly 13% from 2023 to 2024, according to a recent report released by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS). The decline is attributed to a combination of enforcement strategies and community outreach programs aimed at reducing gun violence.
The report, which compares crime statistics from 2023 to 2024, reveals that various categories of violent crime have seen significant reductions. Homicides, for example, decreased by 55%, from 22 in 2023 to 10 in 2024. Similarly, incidents of confirmed shots fired dropped by approximately 49%, while assaults involving firearms fell by nearly 16%. Aggravated assaults saw a modest decrease of less than 1%.
KDPS Chief David Boysen expressed pride in the progress made in reducing gun violence, stating, “Thanks to a balanced approach that combines outreach efforts and enforcement, homicides have decreased nearly 55% compared to last year.” The city’s efforts to combat gun violence have been a central focus for local authorities, and these numbers suggest that the strategies being implemented are yielding positive results.
In addition to the reduction in violent crime, property crime also saw a decline of about 16%. Burglary dropped by nearly 21%, larceny decreased by 17%, and motor vehicle theft fell by 7%. However, the report highlighted a concerning 8% increase in arson incidents.
The KDPS report also outlined the department’s response to nearly 135,600 calls for service in 2024. Of these, approximately 122,500 were police-related calls, while 13,100 were for fire and emergency medical services. Notably, the department responded to far fewer calls for larceny from vehicles, which saw an 84% drop from the previous year. Calls for animal complaints, assaults, and breaking and entering also decreased, while trespassing calls rose.
Despite the decrease in crime, fire-related incidents increased. The department responded to 134 working structure fires in 2024, marking a 79% rise compared to the previous year. There were also increases in calls for vehicle fires and carbon monoxide leaks, although cooking fires and outdoor fires saw a decrease.
The report also noted that KDPS seized 460 guns in 2024, maintaining the same level of gun seizures as in 2023, which indicates ongoing efforts to curb illegal firearm possession and use.
A key factor behind the reduction in crime is the work of Kalamazoo’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program. The initiative, which involves individuals with firsthand experience of violence, aims to reduce criminal activity by reaching out to those most at risk. Members of GVI, including Alejandro Rodriguez and Yafincieo Harris, emphasize the importance of understanding the root causes of violence and working with individuals in the community to change their behaviors.
Rodriguez, who has a personal history of involvement in violence and incarceration, explained that his past experiences help him connect with others in similar situations. “A lot of us on our team were the ones driving the violence at some point in time,” he said. “We are trying to combat against the things we were once driving and stirring up in our communities.”
For Harris, who has also experienced both sides of gun violence, addressing the root causes is critical. “We have to look at those root causes and then go and start to combat that as well,” he explained. Harris pointed out that gun violence is often generational, and many youth in Kalamazoo grow up without hope, believing their only options are either death or prison. By reaching out to younger generations and offering alternatives, the program seeks to break the cycle of violence.
Both Rodriguez and Harris are optimistic that the decrease in crime proves their efforts are working. “That’s the goal, to make a safer Kalamazoo,” Harris said. “It took time for it to get like it is, so it’s going to take time for it to get where we need it to be.”
While the reduction in crime is being celebrated, local leaders emphasize the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations, and citizens. The report demonstrates the significant impact of these combined efforts, but also highlights that the journey toward lasting safety and stability will require ongoing dedication and investment in the community.
The city’s efforts to tackle crime and violence are not only reducing the number of incidents but also creating opportunities for community members to feel safer and more connected. The continued success of Kalamazoo’s crime reduction strategies hinges on fostering these relationships and building on the progress made in 2024.
