KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A recent crime report released by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reveals encouraging news for the city: crime rates are down across several key categories. The statistics, comparing data from 2023 to 2024, show a marked decline in violent crime, which local law enforcement attributes to a combination of data-driven policing strategies and strong collaboration with the community.
According to the report, homicides have dropped by nearly 55%, from 22 in 2023 to just 10 this year. Other forms of violent crime have also seen reductions, including a 49% decrease in confirmed shots fired, a 16% reduction in assaults involving firearms, and a slight dip in aggravated assaults by less than 1%.
Assistant Chief David Juday of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety emphasized that these improvements are the result of a focused, evidence-based approach to policing. He explained that the department reviews crime data every week, allowing officers to stay on top of crime trends in real-time.
“It kind of shows us where our violent crime is at, where our property crime is at, and then where our gun violence is at,” Juday said. “So if you look at violent crime, year-to-date data for this year, we are down 18% compared to this time last year.”
Juday noted that this weekly analysis helps the department strategically allocate resources, ensuring that officers are placed where they are most needed. By identifying emerging trends, such as a spike in aggravated assaults in a particular area, the department is able to quickly adjust its focus and resources to address the issue.
The results so far this year paint a promising picture: Kalamazoo has seen just three non-fatal shootings and three homicides, down from 14 non-fatal shootings and four homicides at this time last year. This drop in violent crime, a reduction of 18% from the same period in 2024, is a clear indication that the department’s efforts are having an impact.
Officer Gabriela Avila, who has been with the department for over three years, echoed Juday’s sentiments. Avila, who works closely with the community during her patrols, believes that representation in law enforcement plays a crucial role in building trust between officers and the people they serve.
“When I see those types of statistics, I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m actually doing my job engaging with the public,’” Avila said. “Seeing that person who looks like you or has the same background as you makes them trust you a little bit more.”
Both Juday and Avila agree that reducing crime is a team effort. While the department’s proactive policing methods have been critical, they also attribute the drop in violence to the strong involvement of the Kalamazoo community. As Juday put it, “It’s that ongoing effort between the police department and the community.”
Avila added that the community has grown increasingly vocal in its desire for change, particularly in response to the rise in shootings and homicides. “They are fed up with the amount of shooting incidents and homicides going on in their community, and so working together closely with the community is certainly driving some of the violence down,” she said.
The reduction in violent crime in Kalamazoo serves as a testament to the effectiveness of data-driven policing and community cooperation. By maintaining open lines of communication, identifying crime trends early, and working closely with residents, law enforcement and the community are making significant strides in creating a safer city.
With these continued efforts, officials are hopeful that Kalamazoo will continue to see a downward trend in crime, fostering a safer, more secure environment for all of its residents.
