Phoenix Sees Drop in Crime Rates for 2024, But Police Violence Surges

By Staff Reporter |

The city of Phoenix experienced a decrease in overall crime rates for 2024, alongside a troubling rise in violence against police officers. Reports indicate a 28 percent drop in homicides, contributing to an overall crime reduction of four percent. However, incidents of violence targeting officers notably increased, with 14 officers encountering gunfire, one of which tragically resulted in an officer’s death.

“These incidents demonstrate a complete disregard for law enforcement and the vital role officers play in our community,” the Phoenix Police Department stated. The department emphasized its commitment to advanced training aimed at minimizing risks to both officers and community members, highlighting that officers face dangers daily while safeguarding public safety.

The department attributes part of the homicide reduction to the 2024 Crime Reduction Plan, introduced last June. This strategic plan prioritizes crackdowns on violent offenders, crime hotspots, prohibited gun possessors, and individuals with outstanding warrants. Arrests of juveniles for homicide significantly declined from 23 in 2023 to just seven last year, with juvenile homicide victims also decreasing from 23 to 15.

Further contributing to the overall crime downturn, Phoenix police cited successful collaborative efforts targeting organized crime and repeat offenders. Initiatives like Operation Makeup Breakup focused on organized retail theft, while Operation Full Court Press took aim at violent offenders. Other operations, such as an FBI partnership scrutinizing a hotel functioning as a brothel and Operation Night Owl investigating drug and money laundering networks, were also highlighted.

The Phoenix Police Department is determined to enhance accountability and transparency. “We will continue to strive to be a self-assessing and self-correcting agency,” the department asserted.

Despite these efforts, staffing challenges persist. Last year, less than 2,300 individuals applied for sworn officer positions, with only about 160 entering the Phoenix Police Academy. The department noted a slight increase in recruits compared to 2023, which saw approximately 150 recruits.

Top applicant sources included the department website, referrals from friends or family, Indeed, and social media. Interestingly, the main sources for hired recruits shifted to referrals from friends or family, employee referrals, and then social media, followed by the department website and billboards.

Currently, the Phoenix Police Department remains understaffed. While the city has budgeted for around 3,000 officers, the total number of sworn officers stood just above 2,500 as of last November. In the recent Public Safety and Justice subcommittee meeting, police reported hiring decreased from 167 officers in 2023 to 144 in 2024.

To improve recruitment, police have maintained traditional advertising across various media platforms and have formed partnerships with institutions like Arizona Christian University, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University.