The Dallas Police Department successfully lowered its violent crime rate in 2024 by implementing a strategic, data-driven approach to crime prevention. Interim Police Chief Michael Igo shared with Fox News Digital that this resulted in a decrease in both the number of violent incidents and the number of victims.

The department's strategy, developed in 2021 with the help of criminologists from the University of Texas San Antonio, focuses on three core elements: hot spot policing, Place Network Investigations (PNIs), and deterrence.

Hot spot policing involves identifying 300x300 yard grids within the city that experience a disproportionately high level of crime. By strategically placing police vehicles with lights activated in these high-crime zones for short periods, the department aims to deter criminal activity.

The Place Network Investigations (PNIs) strategy addresses the environments that facilitate crime. This involves traditional law enforcement tactics like arrests and drug busts, alongside community improvements such as code enforcement, environmental design modifications, and addressing issues like graffiti and abandoned vehicles.

The department also emphasizes a holistic approach, collaborating with community organizations to offer support services such as job training and drug rehabilitation programs to individuals involved in crime. This proactive approach helps individuals disengage from criminal activities and contribute positively to the community.

The results of this multi-pronged strategy are evident in the city’s crime statistics. Dallas experienced an 8.2% overall drop in violent crime in 2024, with a remarkable 26% reduction in homicides—equivalent to 65 fewer lives lost. This marks the lowest homicide rate in Dallas since before the pandemic began.