In the heart of DeSoto's city hall, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as city officials gathered for a special council meeting on April 14, 2025. The evening's agenda was anchored by a critical presentation from Police Chief Joe Costa, who delivered the quarterly crime statistics for the first three months of the year.

Chief Costa reported a notable decline in crime rates, with a total of 392 incidents recorded from January to March 2025, marking an 8.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which had seen 422 crimes. This positive trend was observed across three of the four districts, although District 4 experienced a slight uptick in incidents. The chief emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that increased reporting from residents and a visible police presence contributed to this downward trend in crime.

Council members engaged in a robust discussion following the presentation, with Council Member Rafael raising concerns about the documentation of gunshot incidents. She inquired how such occurrences are classified, especially when no injuries or arrests are made. Chief Costa clarified that while all calls regarding gunshots are documented, the absence of witnesses or evidence often complicates the classification of these incidents as crimes. He highlighted the use of ShotSpotter technology, which helps identify actual gunfire, allowing police to respond swiftly.

The conversation shifted to the handling of ongoing investigations, particularly those involving police officers. Council Member Marks sought clarity on how these cases are categorized and tracked. The city manager responded, indicating that while public offenses under investigation are included in crime statistics, incidents involving police officers require a separate classification to maintain transparency and accountability.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the council is committed to enhancing public safety and fostering community trust. The discussions underscored the importance of clear communication and data tracking in addressing residents' concerns about crime and police activity. With the crime rate trending downward, city officials expressed hope that continued collaboration with the community would further bolster safety in DeSoto.