The Reno Police Department says its latest efforts to tighten downtown safety are paying off — from shutting down problem motels to driving down violent crime citywide — but staffing shortages continue to strain the agency.
In a presentation to the Reno City Council scheduled for Wednesday, Chief Kathryn Nance plans to outline a year of “proactive enforcement, targeted investigations, and sustained community engagement,” especially in the city’s highest-density neighborhoods.
Crackdown on nuisance motels
RPD highlighted several major enforcement actions this year aimed at properties they say were driving chronic crime:
- Eden Motel — closed after two full investigations into criminal and nuisance activity
- Lakemill Lodge — shut down following ongoing health, safety, and criminal violations
- ACE Motor Lodge — operations suspended after repeated code and safety issues
These actions were carried out in coordination with the city attorney’s office, code enforcement, and business licensing.
Downtown enforcement by the numbers
So far in 2025, officers working downtown have made:
- 700+ arrests (229 felonies, 478 misdemeanors)
- 1,300+ citations, including more than 1,000 Community Court citations
- 4,900+ citizen contacts
- 2,750 contacts with unsheltered individuals
- 14 guns recovered and nearly 2,000 grams of narcotics seized
- 133 vehicles towed
Police also note that Community Court — once used for diversion-based outcomes — is closing. Future citations will now go through traditional court processes, potentially increasing jail time or warrants.
Citywide crime trends show big drops
Beyond downtown, RPD says violent crime across Reno is trending downward:
- 43% fewer homicides
- 53% drop in homicide-related shootings
- 65% decrease in shootings into homes
- 15% fewer injury shootings
- 24% reduction in traffic crashes
Nance credited “intelligence-led policing” and improved coordination between patrol, detectives, and regional partners.
Recent investigations break up drug networks
Over just the last two months, downtown units busted several significant narcotics operations, seizing:
- More than 600 grams of drugs
- Nearly $30,000 in illegal proceeds
- Multiple firearms
Several suspects tied to stolen property, drug trafficking, and gun offenses were arrested.
Staffing remains a challenge
Despite the results, RPD continues to face mounting staffing pressures. Of the department’s 355 authorized sworn positions:
- 336 are filled
- 21 officers are recruits still in the academy
- Only about 285 officers are fully deployable, due to injuries, leave, or limited-duty assignments
That means roughly 22% of sworn positions can’t be deployed right now.
A recent staffing study found RPD needs 30 additional patrol officers to meet ideal response times, plus 13 more detectives to handle current caseloads.
New RPD townhall launching series in December
To boost transparency and engagement, the department is launching a Police Department Town Hall Series, starting December 2025…