Dearborn officials announce significant decrease in major crime
Published Jan. 22, 2025
Year-end public safety statistics for 2024 released by the Dearborn Police Department show significant decreases in serious crimes impacting quality of life for residents.
Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud joined Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin and City Council President Michael T. Sareini at the Dearborn Administrative Center on Jan. 22, 2025, to discuss the drop in significant incidents as well as an overall decrease in crime in the city. 11 new Dearborn Police recruits were present at the event.
In 2024, Dearborn saw notable declines in the most egregious public safety incidents including burglary (-30%), home invasions (-35%), vehicle theft (-22%), and robbery (-25%). There were also drops in larceny (-11.8%) and commercial burglaries (-23%).
Mayor Hammoud attributed the increased public safety to a fully funded and staffed department, stating, “We have the resources, we have the staff power, and we have the commitment of not only this Administration but also the Council and the (law enforcement) personnel that are here before you as well as out there working each and every single day.”
Overall, the city experienced a dip in crime of about 7%. The Police Department made more than 86,000 calls-for-service in 2024, a 12% increase over the last four years.
Chief Shahin discussed ongoing public safety strategies including the use of the latest police technology and robust community policing practices that build trust and communications between law enforcement and the public.
Shahin said the drop in major incidents was, “the result of a focused, deliberate strategy that combines cutting-edge technology with proactive, community-based policing.”
“Today, we celebrate meaningful progress—but we remain focused on the work ahead,” Shahin added. “Public safety is not a destination; it’s an ongoing journey that demands innovation, collaboration, and trust.”
Shahin highlighted the use of Dearborn Police Department’s drone team, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by 13 certified remote pilots, which has been instrumental in crime prevention and resolution.
Flock License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras have changed how the department tracks and apprehends suspects. By scanning and cross-referencing license plates with local, state, and federal databases in real-time, these cameras enable police to track stolen vehicles and prevent countless auto thefts while aiding investigations in cases ranging from reckless driving to homicide. The cameras also alert officers when flagged vehicles enter the city, allowing immediate intervention and stopping potential crimes before they happen.
Shahin also announced the future implementation of the Fusus Real Time Crime Center. The innovative system will integrate real-time video feeds from public and private cameras into a centralized hub, allowing officers to monitor, analyze, and respond to incidents more efficiently. Businesses and residents will be able to opt in to securely share access to their surveillance cameras in this police/public partnership.
Neighborhood Police Officers, stationed across the city, play a vital role in building trust and serving as accessible points of contact for residents. The program strengthens the connection between the public and police, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Shahin also announced full staffing levels for the Department in nearly two decades. 11 new recruits have recently joined to fill out all 188 officer positions. Shahin credited a culture of support and encouragement for officers in the City, as well as support from the community, Mayor, and City Council.
Council President Sareini promised the Council will continue to support the Police Department in its efforts, stating, “These statistics are definitely an indicator of success but also tell a bigger story of how the City comes together to create strategies that give maximum results, all while doing so in the most cost-effective manner for our taxpayers.”
Dearborn Police Department makes available all statistics to the public in order to maintain full transparency at its Transparency Dashboard.
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Photo caption: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud announces significant drop in major crime for the year 2024 alongside Council President Michael T. Sareini and Police Chief Issa Shahin.
Photo caption: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud, Council President Michael T. Sareini, and Police Chief Issa Shahin stand with new recruits to the Dearborn Police Department at an event announcing significant decreases in major crime at the Dearborn Administrative Center, Jan. 22, 2025.