Data published by the Dallas Police Department shows most violent crime in Dallas dropped in 2023, but one critical category saw a significant increase.
Murder and non-negligent manslaughter increased 14.95% in 2023, totaling 246 murders compared to 214 in 2022.
The total marks 2023 as the second-deadliest year in Dallas in nearly 20 years. The deadliest year, 2020, recorded 251 murders.
According to police, two-thirds of the murders occurred in private residences or apartment complexes, and over 70% of victims were involved in illegal or high-risk behaviors at the time violence occurred. The department said in the majority of cases, suspects and victims knew each other.
“One life is too many,” the department said in a statement. “We must continue to do our best to take the criminal element off our streets but must also recognize we need to do more to invest in people and places, and work collectively with our community to offer a more positive path for individuals who otherwise would be involved in crime.”
The data also showed positive decreases in violent crime.
Violent crime categories averaged a 13% decrease in 2023, with aggravated assaults dropping 17.3% from 2022 and robberies decreasing 7.7% from 2022, police said.
Shooting violent crime offenses went down 20.99% in the city from 2022, and in total, there were 1,548 fewer victims of violent crimes from 2022, according to officials.
“There are still challenges ahead and there is still work to be done, but a decrease in violent crime overall is positive step towards creating a safer Dallas,” said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia in a statement.
