In a notable turn of events, the city of Tempe has outpaced its neighbors in the Valley when it comes to slashing violent crime rates, per the latest figures from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Reporting a significant 21% drop in violent crime for the first half of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, Tempe’s dip greatly exceeds the Valley’s overall 8% reduction.
According to the Tempe Police Department, this year’s decline in crime continues a positive trend for Tempe, which has seen continuous reductions annually starting in 2021, dropping from 1,133 instances of violent crime to just 899 in 2024, and this year’s figures suggest an even more profound decrease; while any level of crime raises concern, such downward trends point to a safer environment for the residents of Tempe. “I’m incredibly proud of the men and women of the Tempe Police Department,” said Police Chief Ken McCoy, highlighting the dedication of his force. “They go out, day in and day out and put it all on the line to keep our community safe.”
Attributed to the strategic implementations by Chief McCoy, the Tempe Police Department has revolutionized its approach toward public safety. As per an announcement from the Tempe Police Department, the establishment of the Real-Time Operations Center has enhanced officers’ response times to crime and bolstered efficiency in solving cases. Moreover, this year has seen the police launching specific crackdown operations against violent crime and street racing – in a mere weekend, over 170 vehicles were stopped, illegal firearms seized, and race vehicles impounded, paving the way for safer streets…