FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Wrapping up 2025 and kicking off 2026 on a positive note.
The Fresno Police Department highlighted its latest crime statistics during a Tuesday morning press conference.
The City of Fresno saw 22 homicides in 2025. Chief Mindy Casto says the city has not seen a drop to that level in 51 years.
It’s a 70% decrease from 2020 and a 27% reduction from 2024.
“But I have to stop for a second because this is not about the number it is about the people and the families that did not have to deal with the tragedy in our city this year of a lost loved one and the ripple effects this has on so many lives so we are grateful we have been able to make this kind of an impact,” explains Chief Casto.
Fresno Police also recovered more than 1,500 guns off the streets and were able to solve 105% of murders, which includes some from previous years.
Additionally, traffic citations exceeded 40,000 in the last 12 months.
Mayor Jerry Dyer credits the teamwork between local leadership, the district attorney’s office and every police officer putting their life on the line.
“For many, many years, decades in fact, the city of Fresno had a reputation of being one of the most violent places in America, and what that does is it prevents people from visiting your city, it impacts tourism, and so I am proud to say that is not the Fresno we live in today. In fact, we live in a much safer place today,’ mentions Mayor Dyer.
In retail theft cases, officers have recovered over $1 million and made more than 650 arrests.
DUI arrests were also higher than the previous year.
Chief Casto hopes the future of Fresno continues to trend safer by decreasing crimes, including auto thefts, violent crimes, DUIs, fatal crashes involving pedestrians, and gang activity.
Although increased technology, such as their ShotSpotter devices, has helped, the work officers put in does not go unnoticed.
“We also had 381 officers assaulted in 2025, while they were out there performing their duties. I just want to take this opportunity to recognize our officers and their dedication to show up every day in this community to make it a safer place for the people who live and work here,” expresses Chief Casto.
The Fresno Police Department says that although it is almost fully staffed, it is always looking for individuals to join its team.
For a list of available city jobs, click here.
