Newark Police report 34% drop in property and person crime rates this year

The City of Newark held a regular council meeting on May 22, 2025, where significant discussions centered around public safety and crime statistics. The meeting provided an overview of the Newark Police Department's performance and call volume for the past year.

The police department reported responding to a total of 34,128 field incidents in the previous year. Of these, 23,542 were initiated by community members, while officers initiated 10,586 activities, which included traffic stops and community engagement efforts. Dispatchers managed an impressive 60,638 calls, including over 13,000 emergency 911 calls, with nearly all answered within the critical 15-second window, surpassing national standards.

The meeting also highlighted the transition to the California Incident Based Reporting System (SIBRS) in 2022, which allows for more detailed crime reporting. This system captures multiple offenses occurring in a single incident, providing a clearer picture of crime trends. As a result, the data may suggest an increase in certain crime categories for 2024 compared to previous years, as more offenses are now being recorded.

Key crime statistics revealed a mixed picture: while there was a notable increase in assaults and batteries—up 15%—the overall property and person crime rates have decreased by 34% compared to the same period last year. The police department emphasized that many of the assaults were not random acts, as victims and suspects were often known to each other.

In conclusion, the Newark City Council meeting underscored the police department's commitment to public safety and transparency in crime reporting, while also addressing the complexities of interpreting crime data under the new reporting system. The council plans to continue monitoring these trends and engage with the community to enhance safety measures.