In the first quarter of 2025, 68 of the largest U.S. cities experienced a notable decline in violent crime, according to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA). Nationwide, assaults decreased by 11%, robberies by nearly 20%, rapes by 14%, and homicides by over 20%. Honolulu reported the most significant drop in homicides at 82%, followed by Minneapolis with a 54% decrease and Dallas with a 44% reduction.
The Trump administration attributed these improvements to its “America First” policies, emphasizing support for law enforcement and immigration enforcement. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that these measures are making communities safer.
While New York City did not submit data to the MCCA, Mayor Eric Adams reported that the city experienced its lowest quarter in history for gun violence, with shootings down nearly 25% and homicides reduced by over 50% compared to the same period last year.
However, not all cities saw declines. Fort Worth, Texas, experienced a 112% increase in homicides, Houston saw a 21% rise, and Kansas City reported a 31% uptick.
These trends suggest that while many urban areas are seeing improvements in public safety, challenges remain in certain locales, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention and community engagement.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, exemplifies effective crime reduction strategies. In Q1 2025, the city reported a 48% decrease in homicides, a 50% drop in shootings with injury, and a 31% reduction in robberies compared to the same period in 2024. Mayor Tim Keller and Police Chief Harold Medina attribute these improvements to a $50 million investment in crime-fighting technology, including gunshot detection systems, surveillance cameras, and license plate readers. Additionally, the Albuquerque Community Safety department has responded to over 100,000 calls, handling lower-level incidents and allowing police to focus on more serious crimes.
San Antonio, Texas, also reported significant crime reductions. In the first quarter of 2025, the city experienced a 19.3% overall decrease in crime, with homicides dropping by 37.5% and vehicle thefts by 43.2%. Police Chief William McManus credits these declines to a coordinated criminal justice system and strategic deployment of resources. City Council discussions emphasized the importance of targeted policing over merely increasing officer numbers, highlighting the effectiveness of focused interventions in high-crime areas.
San Francisco has seen a remarkable and rare decline in crime, outpacing similar-sized cities across the U.S. Between January 2024 and January 2025, violent crime in San Francisco dropped by 14%, more than twice the national average among mid-sized cities, while property crime fell by 28%. This trend continued into the first quarter of 2025, with violent crime down another 14% and property crime decreasing by 31% year-over-year. Notably, car break-ins—a historically frequent crime in the city—have decreased substantially due to a targeted police crackdown that began in late 2023.
These examples underscore the impact of strategic investments in technology, community-based initiatives, and targeted policing in reducing crime rates. As cities continue to implement and refine these approaches, they offer valuable insights into effective crime prevention and public safety strategies.
Source: Washington Examiner