Saturday

07-26-2025 Vol 2033

Atlanta Sees Decline in Homicides and Vehicle Thefts, Police Focus on Community Initiatives

The Atlanta Police Department has reported a significant decline in homicides this year, with 49 investigations compared to 72 on the same date last year. The department is also noted for one of the largest drops in vehicle thefts nationwide according to a recent study.

APD Chief Darin Schierbaum highlighted their commitment to addressing key factors contributing to crime such as guns, gangs, and drugs. He emphasized the urgency of removing firearms from the hands of convicted felons and other criminals. One of the chief’s main concerns is the escalating personal disputes that escalate into violence.

‘We still have work to do around why people are mad,’ Chief Schierbaum stated.

He suggested that collaboration between the city, community groups, and law enforcement is essential to develop de-escalation skills aimed at reducing conflicts. ‘Let’s put the guns down,’ he urged.

While both the Atlanta mayor and police chief assert that a tough stance on crime is yielding positive results, experts caution that the decrease in violence may not fully revert to pre-pandemic levels soon. Ernesto Lopez, a senior research specialist at CCJ, pointed out that, while many cities saw a rise in homicides from 2018-2021, current declines vary significantly.

Lopez added that although Atlanta’s violent incidents are fewer, they tend to result in fatalities more frequently. ‘Though encouraging, the nation’s return to lower levels of nearly all major offenses should not slow efforts to reduce crime,’ stated a recent study.

Statistics indicate that Atlanta’s crime rates are trending positively. As of April, the APD reported 30 homicides, reflecting a 23% decrease from 39 cases during the same timeframe in 2024. Simultaneously, the city has observed a remarkable 39% reduction in vehicle thefts compared to the previous year, contributing to an overall decline in crime.

Officer morale has reportedly improved due to recent raises, and more take-home police vehicles have enhanced the department’s visibility throughout the community. Mayor Dickens also emphasized the importance of youth programs in mitigating violence. This summer, the city is providing job opportunities for 6,000 teens, with an average earning of $17.50 per hour, which is part of an initiative to help youth ‘earn and learn.’

Apart from jobs, programs like At-Promise Centers and summer camps offer free or low-cost activities aimed at keeping children engaged and occupied.

Despite the decrease in overall crime, violent incidents continue to make headlines. Tragically, as summer approached, Atlanta witnessed the death of its youngest homicide victim, 12-year-old Ja’Nylen Amir Greggs, who was killed in a drive-by shooting while playing basketball outside his apartment on June 12. Arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

If the current trend continues, the city is on track to report fewer than 100 homicides for the year. Homicide rates had risen sharply to 157 in 2020, up from 99 in 2019, and peaked at 170 in 2022. The ongoing efforts from local officials aim to further reduce these numbers in the future.

image source from:ajc

Abigail Harper