Phoenix Police Address Increase in Youth Violence as Part of 2024 Crime Reduction Plan Rolls Out

PHOENIX (AZFamily) – The Phoenix Police Department just released its 2024 Crime Reduction Plan, which addresses a sharp increase in violent crime among youth, fentanyl-related cases and other areas.

“We are losing far too many of our young people to gun violence and the impact of the fentanyl epidemic on our community is immense,” Acting Police Chief Michael Sullivan said in a press release.

Data shows a 76% increase in violent crimes among youth, including murder, robbery, aggravated assault, weapons violations, auto theft and larcenies. One goal of the crime reduction plan is to reduce that rate by 5%, “with a focus on smart law enforcement, partnerships with courts and prosecutors, legislative and regulatory changes, and youth engagement and education.”

Another target involves fentanyl. The plan states that last year in Phoenix there were 3,555 fentanyl-related arrests and 4.5 million fentanyl pills were seized.

According to Phoenix police, 80% of all drug-related investigations in the city involve fentanyl. As part of the plan, police want to increase the number of arrests for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and meth by 3%.

The plan will build on last year’s plan, with some objectives revised. Each district commander will use it as a guide to tailor action plans for their respective areas.

“We are committed to building strong, trusting relationships with our community, and the key to that is transparency and accountability at every level of our organization,” Sullivan said. “Despite the challenges ahead, we continue to evolve and remain vigilant in our mission to protect our community.”

Other goals include an overall reduction in crime. According to police, violent crimes fell 4% and property crimes fell 13% last year compared to 2022. Murders and robberies have also reportedly fallen by more than 10%.

The plan also details plans to reduce serious injuries and fatal crashes through speed enforcement and other programs. The department also plans to add technology through the new Real Time Operations Center in the Cactus Park Precinct.

Below is a summary of the five goals:

1. Reduce violent crime in Phoenix by 5% and property crime by 8%.
2. Increase in the number of arrests for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine by 3%.
3. Reduce the rate of violent crime among youth by 5% by focusing on smart law enforcement, partnerships with courts and prosecutors, legislative and charter changes, and youth engagement and education.
4. Increase the use of technology tools such as real-time operations centers, drones and more to help reduce crime in the city.
5. Reduce the number of fatal and seriously injured crashes by 5% by increasing traffic enforcement where violent crime hotspots are identified.

For more information, click here. The full 18-page crime plan is below:

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