Dearborn's Crime Drop: How Tech and Community Help

In 2024, Dearborn saw a big drop in major crimes. The city reported a 7% decrease overall. Home invasions fell by 35%, burglaries by 30%, robberies by 25%, and vehicle thefts by 22%. If we ignore small shop thefts, the drop would be even bigger, at 11%. Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud, Police Chief Issa Shahin, and City Council President Michael Sareini discussed these stats. They said better policing, tech like drones and license plate readers, and strong community ties helped. Shahin said new tech, like 13 certified drone operators and infrared cameras, gave police better visibility. License plate readers helped solve many crimes. A big win? The police department is fully staffed for the first time in almost 20 years. They'll have 188 officers soon, aiming for the 190s next year. Plans for a real-time crime center were also shared. It'll combine public and private camera footage to help officers respond faster. Businesses and residents can share their footage to boost safety. They hope to launch it soon. Sareini said these stats show what happens when the city works together. He started council-police ride-alongs so members understand officers' needs. All leaders want to keep improving safety. Hammoud wants Dearborn to be Michigan's safest big city.