The Phoenix Police Department recently issued a retrospective for the year 2024, revealing a mix of triumphs and tribulations that punctuated their law enforcement efforts. As reported by the official Phoenix PD news release, the year witnessed a commendable decline in various categories of crime, including a notable 28% drop in homicides. Unfortunately, the department also endured the loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who was shot while on duty, highlighting the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers.

According to the announced figures, overall crime in Phoenix fell by about 4% in the past year. One of the most concerning issues faced by the department was violence towards police officers. This past year alone presented 14 incidents where officers were targets of gunfire, which, tragically, resulted in Officer Coolidge's death and injuries to four others. Additionally, an officer was seriously injured after being stabbed by a suspect. The Phoenix PD also spotlighted their new safety measures and technology, including two Real Time Operation Centers, meant to improve case solvability and crime suppression efforts.

In line with their goal of transparency, the Phoenix PD has taken several steps to increase public trust. They introduced a comprehensive interactive website, keeping the public informed on incidents highlighted by the Department of Justice. Moreover, Phoenix PD's Crime Reduction Plan, revealed after months of effort, seeks to target the most violent offenders and focus on issues such as the fentanyl epidemic and juvenile violent crime—a strategy that appears to be yielding results. "The Department has seen a decrease in homicides involving juveniles," mentioned in the Phoenix PD report, with juvenile homicide arrests dropping from 23 in 2023 to 7 in 2024.

Operation Full Court Press, a five-day initiative targeting violent offenders in Phoenix, culminated in 570 arrests and seizure of illicit drugs and firearms. In a celebration of dedication, the department honored Fallen Officer David “Star" Johnson, recognizing his sacrifice 80 years after his loss in the line of duty. Through a documentary and a historical marker placement, his story was brought to light, as stated in the official release.

On the community front, the department engages through various initiatives, as their Cool Treats Van attended over 170 events, and the Police Chief's Advisory Boards meet quarterly to reinforce community ties. The foundation of these efforts clearly rests on a philosophy stated by Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan, "It's never too late to do the right thing," as noted by Phoenix PD report.