DETROIT, MI – Today, Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced the year-end crime stats for 2019, showing a downward trend in Part 1 crime over a five-year period at a press briefing that was attended by federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

“This could not have been possible without the ongoing dedication of the men and women of our Department, our federal, state and local law enforcement partners and the members of this community,” Chief Craig said. “While one crime is always too many, we are continuing to move in the right direction.”

The downward trend in Part 1 crime from 2015 to 2019 breaks down as follows:

• 7% reduction in Homicides (273 in 2019 compared to 295 in 2015)
• 35% reduction in Robberies (2,337 in 2019 compared to 3,648 in 2015)
• 26% reduction in Non-Fatal Shootings (767 in 2019 compared to 1,034 in 2015)
• 53% reduction in Carjackings (244 in 2019 compared to 523 in 2015)
• 16% reduction in Total Violent Crime (12,943 in 2019 compared to 15,430 in 2015)
• 14% reduction in Stolen Vehicles (6,904 in 2019, compared to 8,035 in 2015)
• 20% reduction in Total Property Crime (28,305 in 2019 compared to 34,050 in 2015)
• Overall reduction in Part 1 Crimes is 17% (41,248 in 2019 compared to 49,480 in 2015)

Some categories saw an uptick in crime in 2019 compared to 2018: Homicide, Non-Fatal Shootings and Robberies:

• 5% increase in Homicides (273 in 2019 compared to 261 in 2018)
• 2% increase in Non-Fatal Shootings (767 in 2019 compared to 753 in 2018)
• 1% increase in Robberies (2,337 in 2019 compared to 2,309 in 2018)

Arguments were the leading motive for both Homicides, at 34%, and Non-Fatal Shootings, at 31%, in 2019. The city-wide average of gang-motivated homicides in 2019 was 13%.

A recent wave in gang violence was also a contributing factor. At the end of November going into December, we identified four groups who were responsible for 10 violent incidents. Strategically, we were able to address the violence through enforcement actions and outreach initiatives, resulting in 12 arrests made, 7 firearms confiscated, and a truce negotiated between gangs in the 10^th Precinct.

Although there was an uptick in some categories, the city saw an overall drop of 4% in Total Violent Crimes (12,943) in 2019, compared to 2018 (13,477), with several categories seeing noticeable reductions:

• 12% decrease in Rape (866 in 2019 compared to 988 in 2018)
• 5% decrease in Aggravated Assaults (9,467 in 2019 compared with 9,920 in 2018)
• 21% decrease in Carjacking (244 in 2019 compared to 306 in 2018)

During the presentation, Chief Craig made notable mentions of programs that contributed to the downward trend since 2015 which includesCeasefire program, Recruitment, Project Green Light Detroit.

The Chief briefly mentioned the success of the 9^th Precinct, a Ceasefire Precinct, which saw a 28% drop in Non-Fatal Shootings (103 in 2019, 144 in 2018) and 10% drop in Homicides (36 in 2019, 40 in 2018), 24% reduction combined.

Also in 2019, the Detroit Police Department hired 304 new officers, a 520% increase from 2015, and a 72% increase from 2018. Additionally, the continued growth of Project Green Light Detroit was mentioned.

“We certainly aren’t waving a flag of success, as some categories saw an uptick in crime,” said Chief Craig. “But we will continue our efforts in working to reduce crime in our city as a Department through use of technology, partnership with other law enforcement agencies, and with the public we serve.”

The new initiative the Chief highlighted was Operation Relentless Pursuit, a partnership between the Detroit Police Department and Federal law enforcement that aims to combat violent crime in major cities across the country.

“I think it is critically important that we join together as one and we are going to stop this violence,” Chief Craig said. “This partnership further affirms the commitment to ensuring success in our communities, and we are ready to continue our efforts in the years to come to make Detroit safer for everyone.”