Detroit has long been a city of struggle, but today, it stands as a testament to resilience and determination. United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison, a leader in this transformation, reflected on the city’s rise. While Boston’s early adoption of crime prevention strategies led to 24 homicides in 2024, Detroit has now claimed its place as a national leader. “Boston may have started their crime prevention and ceasefire tactics sooner, but Detroit is now a leader because of the work we’ve put in,” Ison affirmed, underscoring a moment of pride for a community that has long fought for change.
The numbers tell a remarkable story. In 2024, Detroit recorded 203 homicides—the city’s lowest figure since 1965. This represents a 19% drop from the previous year and a 33% decrease from 2022. Nonfatal shootings fell by 25% in 2024, from 804 in 2023 to 606 nearly halving since two years ago, and carjackings declined by 15%. These statistics, while encouraging, reflect more than just percentages. They symbolize lives saved, communities stabilized, and trust rebuilt.
Chief Todd Bettison, who leads the Detroit Police Department (DPD), highlighted the comprehensive nature of this success. “Our federal partners charged over 180 individuals with federal crimes, executed 600 search warrants, and took 520 illegal guns off the streets,” he said. Bettison credited these accomplishments to a coalition of partners committed to a shared vision of safety and accountability.
Rewind to 2021, and the outlook was far bleaker. Detroit faced a surge in violence, with homicides up 27% and nonfatal shootings soaring by 44% during the first five months of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives and eroded community trust, creating conditions that allowed violence to thrive. It was under these circumstances that James White, a former assistant police chief, returned to the department as its leader. White recognized the urgency of the moment and introduced a series of strategies to restore stability.
By the end of 2023, Detroit had achieved its fewest homicides since 1966, an 18% reduction from the prior year. Nonfatal shootings dropped nearly 16%, and carjackings declined by a third. These gains extended into 2024, with results that cemented the city’s position as a model for others. Mayor Mike Duggan acknowledged the collective effort behind these changes. “This coalition came together to reverse the spike in violent crime during COVID. What’s happened is far more remarkable than we could have anticipated,” he said.
A key driver of this progress has been the One Detroit initiative, spearheaded by United States Attorney Ison. This program focuses on prosecuting gun crimes while also engaging the community through outreach events like “Peacenics.” The results have been profound. Since its inception, One Detroit has contributed to a 44% reduction in homicides and nonfatal shootings in targeted areas. “We won’t stop fighting for a better, safer Detroit,” Ison said, emphasizing the balance between enforcement and prevention.
Community partnerships have been at the heart of Detroit’s transformation. The ShotStoppers program, consisting of six groups such as Force Detroit and Detroit Friends & Family, has achieved stunning results in reducing violence in the city’s most challenging areas. Detroit Friends & Family reported an 83% decrease in violent crime in their focus zones, while Force Detroit recorded a 52% reduction. Zoe Kennedy of Force Detroit expressed gratitude for those who chose alternatives to violence. “To those who’ve decided not to open fire around children or homes, who’ve resolved conflicts before they escalated—you’ve changed the narrative,” she said.
Mental health emerged as another critical area of focus. Recognizing that many crises involve individuals facing emotional distress, the Detroit Police Department partnered with the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) to create a Crisis Intervention Team. This initiative pairs officers with behavioral health specialists, providing resources instead of punitive responses. In 2023, the team responded to 2,770 calls and connected over 450 individuals to services addressing mental health, substance use, and homelessness. Former Police Chief James White, now CEO of DWIHN, highlighted the importance of these efforts. “Our co-response partnership is making a real difference for those in need,” White said.
Wayne County leaders also played a pivotal role. Prosecutor Kym Worthy streamlined case processing by co-locating assistant prosecutors at DPD headquarters. This move reduced the backlog of pending homicide warrants by 25%. Sheriff Raphael Washington enforced electronic tether restrictions, ensuring real-time monitoring of defendants. These measures enhanced accountability and contributed to the city’s crime reduction efforts. Additionally, the Fugitive Apprehension Service Team (FAST) apprehended over 1,000 individuals with outstanding felony warrants in 2024, prioritizing those involved in gun crimes.
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans spearheaded a coordinated effort that brought together county law enforcement agencies and the court system. A newly negotiated contract for Wayne County prosecutors included a 15% pay increase, aligning their salaries with neighboring counties and boosting recruitment and retention efforts. Similarly, a new contract for Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies offered a 24% starting pay increase, enabling Sheriff Raphael Washington to address a longstanding issue by beginning to fill 200 vacant positions. Executive Evans is now focusing on a new initiative aimed at reducing juvenile gun violence, tackling the issue at its roots to create lasting change.
State partnerships amplified these efforts. Michigan State Police collaborated with Detroit to tackle illegal street racing, recovering 75 weapons and impounding 85 vehicles. Governor Gretchen Whitmer secured funding for 25 new positions within the DPD, allowing for expanded neighborhood policing and mental health support. These investments strengthened the city’s ability to address challenges holistically.
The Detroit Police Department (DPD) built on its 2023 successes by implementing new strategies and resources to address gun violence. A Neighborhood Response Team was established, backed by a central unit of 80 officers, to intervene early in illegal street parties and prevent threats to neighborhood safety. Citizen 911 calls for these gatherings were elevated to Priority 1, ensuring faster responses. The department also achieved significant progress in staffing, with 99% of sworn positions filled, totaling 2,634 officers out of 2,672 authorized positions. This included a net gain of 195 sworn officers in 2023 and an additional 144 in 2024, resulting in 339 new officers since the implementation of a $10,000 pay increase in November 2022.
Technology also played a role in enhancing public safety. Evolv scanners were deployed at large events, preventing illegal weapons from entering public spaces. During the 2024 NFL Draft, which drew over 775,000 visitors to Detroit, these measures ensured a safe and incident-free experience.
Detroit’s community organizations provided crucial support in mediating conflicts and offering resources to those at risk. Groups like New Era Detroit and Detroit 300 helped achieve reductions in violent crime that exceeded citywide averages. Their efforts demonstrate the power of grassroots initiatives in driving meaningful change.
Despite these successes, city leaders remain aware of the challenges ahead. Detroit’s per capita homicide rate, while significantly improved, remains higher than it was in the 1960s. Systemic issues such as economic inequities and access to education continue to impact the city. Mayor Duggan emphasized the importance of sustained effort. “This is not about quick fixes. We are building a foundation for lasting progress,” he said.
The achievements in Detroit serve as a blueprint for other cities facing similar struggles. By combining enforcement with community engagement, mental health support, and innovative technology, the city has demonstrated that progress is possible when stakeholders work together. United States Attorney Ison underscored this lesson. “Instead of leading the nation in violence, we are being recognized nationally for our reductions in violent crime,” she said.
The achievements in Detroit are a reminder that progress is possible when every stakeholder—from city officials to grassroots organizers—plays a role in creating solutions. The work isn’t done, but Detroit’s transformation proves that collaboration and commitment can rewrite a city’s narrative.
Detroit has set the blueprint for how collective action can drive meaningful change.
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