Dearborn's approach to policing seems to be paying off, as officials report a significant decrease in crime rates for the second year running. On Feb. 10, city leaders including Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and Police Chief Issa Shahin touted the declining figures during a press conference. Per statistics shared by the city, violent crime, specifically robberies and assaults, dropped by 14% in the past year, resulting in a cumulative 20% reduction over two years. Notably, burglaries have plummeted by 40%, robberies by 22%, and vehicle thefts by 30%, as reported by MLive.
The decline is being attributed to increased police staffing with the department now boasting 191 officers, the implementation of new technology, and continuous investment in public safety. "These are tangible improvements in public safety made possible by the men and women of the Dearborn Police Department, who we place our trust in," Mayor Hammoud remarked, as noted in an announcement on the City of Dearborn's official website. Shahin, also praised the officers' "dedication and commitment" to the community, reflecting on the remarkable progress over his nearly 30-year tenure with the department.
Modernizing the force appears to have been key; Shahin mentioned updates including Flock license-plate reader cameras, translation software on body cameras capable of translating 56 languages in real-time, and the launch of a drone first-responder program. "These technologies have been paired with clear policies, training and accountability," he said, explaining how such investments have bolstered more effective policing strategies. Additionally, Chief Shahin highlighted the value of cross-department cooperation, celebrating a whole government approach that has yielded considerable dividends for public safety.
City Council President Michael Sareini echoed a commitment to ensuring Dearborn's public safety remains a funded priority, citing the council and administration's shared vision. The city's general fund, grants, and forfeiture funds compose the financial backbone for these technology upgrades, which Sareini assures will continue to receive support. "If there was a grant that would run out at a certain time, we will then backfill it with our regular funding," he said, underscoring the city's resolve to maintain its momentum in reducing crime rates. Hammoud also highlighted a marked 15% decrease in crashes resulting in bodily injury, while citations have rocketed by roughly 30%, as told to MLive.
Demonstrating their commitment to transparency, the Dearborn Police Department has made their updated crime statistics public through their Transparency Dashboard. This dashboard is part of the city's strategy to maintain public trust and engagement in the ongoing work to keep Dearborn safe.
