Elgin's Crime Numbers Show Hopeful Trends

In 2025, Elgin experienced a significant drop in gunfire incidents, with a 63% decrease compared to the previous year. This drop is a big deal because gunfire cases had been on the rise since 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city saw just 24 incidents involving shots fired in 2025, down from 65 in 2024. The police department played a big role in this improvement. They focused on reducing violent crimes through their Violent Crime Unit. They also worked with other law enforcement agencies and used new investigative techniques. The police chief gave credit to the officers for their hard work and dedication. Overall, violent crimes in Elgin decreased by 8% from 2024. There were 4, 348 offenses in 2025 compared to 4, 744 in 2024. This continues a long-term trend of decreasing crime in the city. Robberies, in particular, saw a big drop. There were 22 robberies in 2025, down from 34 in 2024. Over the last five years, robberies have declined by 42%.Another positive note is that there was only one murder in 2025, compared to eight in 2024. Aggravated assaults also decreased, with 159 cases in 2025 down from 189 in 2024. The police chief also addressed a controversial incident involving federal agents and the community. She acknowledged the criticism and said the department is working to improve its response to such situations. The department added more information about its policies related to immigration enforcement to its Transparency Hub. The chief emphasized that each case is unique and complex. She assured the community that the department will always work with sincerity and kindness. While there is still room for improvement, the recent trends in crime reduction are a positive sign for Elgin.