Edmonton’s crime rate dropped to its lowest level in more than a decade in 2024, despite a 5.1% rise in calls for service, according to new data released by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).
The overall crime rate declined by 2.5%, while crime severity decreased by 3.5%.
A key success for the city was a 47% reduction in shootings compared to 2023, a year marked by gun violence. Initiatives such as Safer Public Spaces, the Guns and Gangs Strategy, and an increased focus on encampments contributed to the decline, police said.
Chief Dale McFee credited a balance between enforcement and support for the progress.
“We’ve come out of 2024 with the lowest crime rate in a decade,” McFee said. “Our Community Safety Teams, High Risk Encampment Teams, and work to get the Navigation Centre up and running are allowing police to be more responsive and address challenges before they escalate.”
Despite the decline in overall crime, violent crime incidents rose by 1.8%. Incidents involving weapons decreased slightly by 1%, with reductions in firearm and caustic spray incidents, though knife-related crimes saw a minor uptick.
Reports of domestic violence also fell by 3.1% in 2024 but have risen 10.7% since 2019.
Calls for service at LRT stations and transit centres increased by 12%, but crime severity at those locations fell by 6%, a shift attributed to the expanded presence of Transit and Community Safety (TRACS) teams.
Police-generated calls for service also grew by 3.1%, reflecting increased proactive policing efforts.
McFee acknowledged that despite progress, public concerns over safety and disorder remain.
“We continue to hear from our community about the disorder they are seeing every day in their neighbourhoods and how it impacts their sense of safety,” he said.
“While police are at the forefront, we know we do not address these challenges alone.”
