Denver ended 2025 with a striking decline in violence, as homicides fell nearly in half from the year before, according to a new report from the Denver Police Department. The city recorded 37 homicides in 2025, down from 70 in 2024, a 48 percent decrease and a 54 percent reduction compared with the previous three-year average. When adjusted for population growth, the homicide rate was the second lowest Denver has seen since 1990.

Police leaders credit the drop to a mix of targeted enforcement, community partnerships, and technology-driven strategies. Chief Ron Thomas praised officers and investigators while stressing caution. “While homicides and other notable crime categories are seeing strong declines, we still have work to do,” he said, underscoring that safety gains remain fragile.

Mayor Mike Johnston echoed that sentiment, pointing to data-driven policing and downtown safety initiatives that expanded patrols, added a police kiosk, and increased visibility during late-night hours. A major component of the department’s strategy involved Place Network Investigations, which focus on locations linked to persistent violence. In more than half of those targeted areas, police reported no firearm homicides or nonfatal shootings in 2025.

Investigative outcomes also improved. Homicide detectives cleared 81 percent of cases, well above the national average, while nonfatal shootings dropped by a third. Police recovered nearly 1,900 firearms over the year and leaned heavily on tools like license plate readers, drones, and real-time cameras to identify suspects and solve cases.

Yet the report reveals sobering patterns beneath the progress. Most killings stemmed from arguments that escalated into lethal violence, a reminder that prevention extends beyond policing. The numbers offer hope, but also a quiet warning: lasting safety will depend on continued vigilance, trust, and care across the city.