Despite growing from 197,000 to 228,000 residents over the past decade, the City of Irving celebrates 10 consecutive years of decreasing crime.
Since 2004, Irving’s overall crime rate has dropped by 46 percent. Categorically, Irving has experienced drops in violent as well as property crimes. Violent crimes, such as aggravated assaults and robberies, have experienced a 45 percent reduction in the past decade. In addition, property crimes (such as burglaries and shoplifting) have decreased by 34 percent during the past decade. Following are categories where crime decreased from 2013 to 2014.
- Burglary: 8.2 percent decrease
- Robbery: 5.9 percent decrease
- Aggravated Assault: 6.9 percent decrease
- Auto Theft: 3 percent decrease
Public safety is an integral component to the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. News of the slight decrease in crime during the past year correlates with data collected from the 2014 Resident Survey, which suggest residents are feeling the difference. In the survey, respondents reported high feelings of safety with 96 percent of residents feeling “very safe” or “safe” in their neighborhoods during the day. In addition to proactive policing and other programs implemented by the Irving Police Department, city leaders see the crime decrease as an indication of a stronger, more cohesive community.
“It’s not just the police department that has helped the city decrease crime by nearly 50 percent in the past 10 years,” said Irving Police Chief Larry Boyd. “Much of the credit belongs to the caring Irving community who is part of crime watch, who stay involved and look out for their neighbors.”
The way the Irving Police Department communicates with residents also has changed greatly in the past decade. Increased access to technology has resulted in the police department employing a variety of computer-mediated tools to keep residents informed, including an app, a crime mapping website and social media.
Thousands follow Irving Police Department on Facebook (facebook.com/irvingpd) and on Twitter (@IrvingPD). Police use the social media sites as a channel to keep residents informed and as a tool to help fight crime. A free Irving Police Department app is available for smartphone users in the online marketplace. The easy-to-use app puts valuable information in the hands of users. Another online tool, raidsonline.com, provides users with a snapshot of reported crimes on a city map. The site, which does not require registration, is updated twice daily with the latest crime information, and allows users to zoom in on specific neighborhoods and use filters to focus on certain offenses such as sex offenders.
Going forward, local law enforcement officials plan to continue with many of the proactive policing programs that have brought the city to this point, such as the Problem Solving Team, which last year shifted its focus from the Belt Line/Northgate area to west Irving near Esters Road (just south of Highway 183). This team employs a long-term, grassroots approach to addressing issues and is working with apartment managers and business owners to address the root causes of crime in that area.
