Homicides in Gary decreased by more than 50% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, with city leaders attributing this to investments in proactive policing and community partnerships, which contributed to a broader decline in crime and traffic incidents.
According to the Gary Police Department’s 2025 Mid-Year Public Safety Report, released this week, the city recorded nine homicides between January and June – down from 20 during the same period in 2024.
Non-fatal shootings also fell 26%, from 75 to 55 incidents. Police reported an 88% homicide clearance rate, which they noted is well above the national average.
“Our top priority is to protect the people of Gary and create a safer community,” Mayor Eddie Melton said in a statement. “These results show that the investments in proactive policing and the leadership of Chief Derrick Cannon are making a difference.”
According to the report, GPD responded to more than 38,000 service calls in the first six months of the year. Premise checks and patrols increased by 8.4%, while traffic-related incidents also trended downward.
Fatal accidents decreased from six to four, while the total number of accidents dropped by 16%.
In addition, the department reported that narcotics enforcement led to charges against 44 people, including 94 felonies. Overall, the department’s Investigations Division filed charges against 168 individuals, totaling more than 600 felony and misdemeanor counts.
The department also reported improvements in overdose response. While fatal overdoses remained steady at 15, non-fatal overdoses declined sharply — contributing to an overall 36% drop in overdose-related calls.
“We are seeing positive results because of our focus on accountability, proactive policing, and strong partnerships with the community,” Cannon said.
While reporting the numbers to the Gary Common Council, chief of staff Ellis Dumas also attributed credit to the public and urged people to continue their diligence in reporting what they see and hear.
“Please never hesitate,” Dumas said. “I don’t care if you thought you heard gunshots and it was fireworks, that’s fine. Call it in; it is our job to look at it and make sure it’s not a gunshot, because you never know. You may have called something that we did not know, and it helps us land a case.”
To maintain staffing, the department has hired five new officers this year and plans to host a one-day hiring event on Saturday, Aug. 16. Investments in equipment, building renovations, and officer wellness are part of the department’s broader retention strategy.
Police encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Anonymous tips can be sent via text to (219) 207-8477.