October 29, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today announced reductions in several areas including homicides, shootings and violent crimes as part of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s statistics for the first three quarters of 2019 (January 1-September 30) as compared to data from the first three quarters of 2018.
Highlights:
*Homicides are down 44.44 percent with a more than 75 percent clearance rate, which means someone has been charged, the act was considered to be in self-defense or the victim of a homicide was a person of interest in a previous homicide
*Non-fatal shootings are down 16.09 percent
*Violent crimes are down 7.3 percent
*Arrests for possession of a handgun without a license are up 27.03 percent
*Drug overdoses are down 30 percent
*Property crimes are up 1.5 percent
“Fort Wayne is a safe city. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and protection of residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and visitors. We’re moving in the right direction, and the work being done by the men and women of the Fort Wayne Police Department is to be commended. We’re addressing challenges head-on and will continue to implement best practices as a community committed to being the very best,” said Mayor Henry.
Update on FWPD efforts:
*With the recent passage of the 2020 budget, the FWPD will be able to have an academy class that will include 15 recruits. The additions will allow the FWPD to have 480 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public. The FWPD will also be adding four replacement K-9’s and a new explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) robot and x-ray system for the bomb unit, which is part of the FWPD’s Special Operations Division.
*Homicide Unit continues to address violent crimes
*Vice & Narcotics Division continues to address drug issues, and Vice & Narcotics Division Commanders continue proactive efforts focused on known violent offenders
*Quadrant Commanders continue proactive joint enforcement efforts with other agencies to address issues in high crime areas
“Providing excellent public safety services is a vital component of our ability to be a safe and successful community. Please know the men and women of the Fort Wayne Police Department appreciate and value the public’s support of the work we do each day to serve and protect.” said Police Chief Reed.