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8 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Chief Ruszkowski advised that there was a reduction of sixteen percent (16) in Part One <br />Offenses for December 2024 compared to last year. He added that they have had their lowest <br />criminal assault shootings since 2014. They had sixty-two (62) criminal assault shooting <br />victims; five (5) fatal. There were seven (7) total homicides, one (1) was from a stabbing, one <br />(1) was from something he can’t say because it is still in an investigative state. Overall, there <br />were 705 guns recovered in 2024. <br /> <br />I think most notably overall throughout 2024, South Bend has seen a three (3) year trend <br />where we have seen a reduction in Part 1 Offenses. Given social media and other things where <br />they say that we still have the component of fear of crime versus crime itself, he would <br />personally appreciate the Board’s input on how we address the fear of crime component that <br />they have in the community. <br /> <br />Darryl Heller asked if they have a sense of what is behind the reduction. Chief Ruszkowski <br />stated that there are so many factors, so from the Police Department, it’s our technology, the <br />Real Time Crime Center, and the quarterly public safety updates. Also, the increase in staffing <br />plays a huge factor. Chief Ruszkowski emphasized the department’s missions or designated <br />areas they focus on deterring and stopping these bad things from happening played a factor. <br />The community asked for more traffic stops and more focus on gun violence. Family and