City Reports 40% Decline in Total Crime Incidents

The City of Tallahassee is reporting that as of February 2025, total crime incidents declined 40% when compared to the same period in 2024. This decline follows a 20.1% decline in violent crime incidents in 2024 relative to 2023.

The report on crime numbers is part of the city’s budget workshop scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th. The city reports that 20 additional officers are programmed in the FY26 budget.

The agenda item notes that the “City has successfully reduced violent crime through an investment strategy with significant allocations to curb violent crime. This strategy targets critical areas such as public safety and gun violence through proactive, immediate actions and generational interventions that divert pathways to crime. This investment yielded significant results, with a 20.1% reduction in violent crime from 2023 to 2024, based on final validated results submitted to FDLE. As of February 2025, total crime incidents declined 40% when compared to the same period in 2024.”

In addition to resources for more officers and technology, the city highlighted the impact of investments put towards community programs on the crime.

The agenda item states that ” “In recent years, the City Commission has prioritized strategic investment in proactive, systemic, long-term solutions to strengthen the community’s safety, resiliency, and inclusivity. These efforts have included Tallahassee Engaged in Meaningful Productivity for Opportunity Youth (TEMPO), Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA), Tallahassee Emergency Assessment Mobile unit (TEAM), neighborhood safety programs, gun violence mitigation, the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), and the Council on the Status of Men and Boys.”

TEMPO, TEAM, and TFLA are described as “wrap-around public safety programs that have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing community well-being and connecting individuals at the highest risk of being involved in or a victim of crime to schooling, employment, and mental health resources.”

According to the budget notes, “funding has been provided to establish and expand these programs over time within existing General Fund resources, totaling approximately $55 million since FY18. Continued investment has been crucial to meeting and exceeding Five-Year Strategic Plan targets. The FY26 budget assumes these programs will be maintained at current service levels.”