News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor Henry and FWPD highlight public safety successes and commitment to open communication
(January 22, 2015) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Police Department leaders today provided a progress report to the community that the City of Fort Wayne experienced an overall reduction in crime of more than 14 percent in 2014, highlighted by a 62.5 percent reduction in the number of homicides. Robberies and burglaries were also down more than 20 percent as compared to 2013 numbers.
Mayor Henry and law enforcement officials were joined by members of the Mayor’s Roundtable on Public Safety to recap public safety successes in 2014 and look ahead to initiatives in 2015.
Highlights of public safety efforts in 2014:
- Homicides declined by 62.5 percent. The 12 homicides represented the lowest total in over 20 years.
- Burglaries dropped by 26 percent
- Robberies were down by 22 percent
- Property crimes dropped by 14.6 percent
- Violent crimes declined by 14 percent
- Larceny declined by 11 percent
- Assault dropped by 6 percent
- Vehicle thefts were down by 5.7 percent
- Overall crime declined by 14.5 percent
- Formation of the Gang and Violent Crimes Unit
- More open communication with residents
- 15 officers graduated from the Fort Wayne Police Department Recruit Class
The City of Fort Wayne did experience challenges in the rape and arson categories. Rapes increased from 95 in 2013 to 104 in 2014. Arsons increased from 29 in 2013 to 45 in 2014.
Highlights of initiatives for 2015:
- 61st Fort Wayne Police Department Recruit Class is underway with 24 recruits
- Proactive efforts to enhance open communication and neighborhood outreach between police officers, residents, and businesses
- Continuation of Roundtable on Public Safety sessions
“We’re fortunate to live in a community where we’re safe and can have open communication with officers and trust them to protect and serve,” said Mayor Henry. “Our public safety team is to be commended on a successful 2014. We have the utmost confidence in our officers and the work that they’re doing. We’re a model community for bringing people together and showing our support for our officers who serve and protect us each day.”
“We’re committed to Fort Wayne being the safest city possible,” said Fort Wayne Police Chief Garry Hamilton. “We’ve come together as a community to move forward in a collaborative manner to make a positive difference. I appreciate the open communication and feedback we’re receiving from residents and neighborhood associations. It takes a collective effort to demonstrate to individuals that criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
Last month, Mayor Henry hosted the first “Mayor’s Roundtable on Public Safety” to provide to an opportunity for an open dialogue about local law enforcement agencies’ proactive public safety efforts. The meeting also focused on how the community can work together and communicate with police officers to enhance public safety services provided moving forward. The next roundtable is scheduled for next month. The roundtable format is designed to explore how Fort Wayne’s diverse community can come together to ensure the overall safety of all residents.
The Fort Wayne Police Department works collaboratively with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office to reduce violence and solve crimes.
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