After several years marked by record-setting homicide numbers and rising violence, Kansas City officials are now reporting a meaningful downturn in crime. City leaders say recent data shows reductions in homicides, nonfatal shootings, burglaries, property damage, robberies, and vehicle thefts, signaling progress after a challenging period.
According to Kansas City Police Department leadership, this marks the first overall drop in violent crime in two years, driven by a combination of increased staffing, targeted deterrence strategies, and a broader public-health-focused approach to violence prevention.
Homicide Trends Show Improvement, With One Key Exception
Following a record-high year for murders in 2023, homicide numbers declined across most parts of the city in 2025. The primary exception remains the South Patrol area, which covers neighborhoods between U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 435 south of Bannister Road.
While the previous year also saw a slight dip in killings, nonfatal shootings rose by 12%, leaving hundreds of residents injured by gunfire. In contrast, the current year reflects a more balanced improvement, with both fatal and nonfatal violence trending downward overall.
SAVE KC Program Credited for Crime Reduction
City officials, including Stacey Graves, Melesa Johnson, and Quinton Lucas, attribute part of the decline to the SAVE KC initiative…