Council Briefed on Five-Year Trends and New Initiatives
At Tuesday’s regularly scheduled city council meeting, Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) officials provided a comprehensive update to the Mayor and City Council on crime trends across all five council districts. The detailed presentation highlighted crime rate changes targeted crime-fighting strategies, and the department’s ongoing public safety initiatives.
Five-Year Crime Rates Show Improvement
Over the last five years, violent and property crime rates have declined in four of five city council districts. Violent crimes consist of offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, while property crimes cover burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
City officials expressed cautious optimism, noting that while the statistics show meaningful improvement, more work remains. The report builds on an April 8 presentation that focused on family violence and gun-related crime.
Crime Trends Compared to National Averages
To provide context, CCPD officials compared Corpus Christi’s crime rates with those of 18 U.S. cities of similar populations. The findings positioned Corpus Christi competitively, with notable progress in curbing violent and property crime. The department also addressed local crime data related to the homeless population, a growing concern in urban safety discussions nationwide.
Strategic Partnerships Yield Major Results
Police officials credited their collaborative efforts with state and federal agencies as key to driving these positive trends. A standout example came in 2023 when CCPD’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division joined forces with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) to dismantle a multi-million-dollar fentanyl operation. The ring caused over ten local overdose deaths.
“This joint effort saved lives and sent a powerful message,” said one CCPD official. “It proves what we can accomplish when agencies work together.”
Specialized Units Target High-Risk Offenders
The department has developed specialized units to reduce crime further, thanks in part to increased funding and staffing support from the City Council. As a significant recent addition, the department launched the Violent Crime Unit (VCU) in November. This 13-officer team leverages real-time intelligence to pursue violent offenders and conduct high-visibility patrols in crime-prone areas.
Since its inception, the VCU has successfully arrested multiple violent criminals, seized illegal firearms, and cracked down on dangerous drivers—making city streets safer for all residents.
Leadership Emphasizes Continued Vigilance
Mayor Paulette Guajardo expressed her appreciation for the transparency and dedication shown by the Corpus Christi Police Department.
“The crime rate update reflects both the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead,” she said. “Public safety remains my top priority, and we will continue to support strategies that keep our neighborhoods secure.”
Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle echoed the mayor’s sentiment, stating, “We welcome continued dialogue about crime and public safety. Our officers are deeply committed to serving this city with professionalism and purpose.”