GARY — City officials are crediting "proactive policing" as a key reason why the number of homicides and other violent crimes decreased from 2023 to 2024.
There were 40 homicides in Gary in 2024, according to the City of Gary's year's-end public safety report, the fewest in a single calendar year since 2018. Fifty-two occurred in 2023. In 2019 and 2020, there had been 40 and 41 homicides by Oct. 1, respectively.
Police investigated 132 non-fatal shootings, 15 fewer than the year before. Patrol officers also responded to a total of 1,368 calls reporting shots fired — an average of nearly four per day — but still a 17% decrease from 2023.
"I'm pleased with the progress made by the Gary Police Department in 2024," Chief Derrick Cannon said. "Through more proactive policing, we’ve taken a strong stance on crime prevention. The improvements we've made are a direct result of our commitment to staying ahead of criminal activity and building relationships with community partners who can help solve more cases."
Extra patrols and premise checks more than doubled last year, officials said, a sign that the department invested more time and resources into its public presence on Gary's streets. And it appears to have worked.
The city reported a dramatic spike in citations issued; officers handed out 9,679 tickets — approximately 148% more than in 2023.
The city also said it had made "significant progress" in handling general crimes. A total of 163 defendants were charged with a total of 506 felonies and 87 misdemeanors that the department classified as "general crimes."
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said safety was his "top priority" for the city and said he was proud of the department's work in the last year.
"I thank (Chief Cannon) for his leadership in driving significant improvements in operations and safety," Melton said. "This year we will focus on strengthening relationships in our community through programming aimed at crime prevention and intervention. I am confident that (the) Gary Police Department will continue to make our city a safer place for all residents."
Gary's SWAT officers were also more active, conducting 55 operations that resulted in 72 arrests — 15 more missions but nine fewer people in custody than 2023's statistics. SWAT teams seized 37 guns, three more than they did the year before.
Fatal traffic accidents dropped from 18 to 11 last year while the number of non-fatal crashes lowered by approximately 3%.
Cannon emphasized that successful policing requires a community effort, and thanked community members who shared information and tips with police.
Gary's police chief added he plans to focus on recruiting officers while retaining current members and said he wants to invest in equipment and training for the department in 2025.
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