Salisbury marks 45% reduction in serious, violent crimes since 2012

May 15, 2023

Han Cechini,

SALISBURY, Md. – Serious crime numbers in Salisbury are dropping. Police and city leaders say the community is inching towards the goal of a safer Salisbury.

Looking at the Numbers

Overall, the City of Salisbury has seen a 45% reduction in Part I crimes since 2012; those include aggravated assault, rape, homicide, arson, human trafficking, motor vehicle theft, robbery, burglary, and theft.

1,209 Part I crimes were recorded in 2022, compared to 2,199 in 2012. Burglaries and thefts also saw a decrease; dropping from 324 to 133, and 1,464 to 699 between 2012 and 2022, respectively. 2,754 adult arrests were made in 2012, and 1,191 made in 2022; a 58% decrease in ten years.

“The officers and the civilians here have really focused their attention on relationship building, and problem solving,” said Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan. “Problem identification doesn’t come from the officers. Problem identification is afforded to us by the residents of the community that we’re working with. Once we’re able to solve those underlying problems, we see drastic reductions in crime.”

Community Policing Helping to Reduce Crime

Chief Duncan and Mayor Jack Heath both credit an increased focus on community policing for helping to reduce Part I crime.

“Community policing, from its roots, as we saw it come into mainstream policing in the 1980’s, it has evolved quite a bit,” said Chief Duncan. “It is the reason that we went from [having higher crime levels] to not even being on the top 100 list of the most dangerous cities to live in.”

Mayor Heath says when you involved citizens in keeping their community safe, the buy-in is immediate.

“[Salisbury Police] have utilized the tools that they’ve been given, along with the relationships with the citizenry, and that’s made a huge difference,” said Mayor Heath. “When [people] see an officer, they don’t think immediately ‘I’m in trouble.’ They think of, ‘Wait, I know him.’ And, that makes a huge difference.”

Predictive policing, says Mayor Heath, has also made a difference; it’s a practice that identifies high-crime areas, and determines where the most police presence is needed to prevent crime.

“There’s an accountability for the police officers. They’re given a job to do, and then they’re given the tools to do it.,” said Mayor Heath.

Theft Continues to be a Problem

While Part I crime saw a significant reduction in recent years, Chief Duncan says thefts from motor vehicles continue to be an issue in all parts of the city.

“These are crimes of opportunity, plain and simple,” said Chief Duncan. “Everything from change to small electronics, sometimes personal papers and belongings of that nature, are being removed from vehicles that are unlocked during the overnight hours.”

With the proliferation of home security devices, like SimpliSafe and Ring, Chief Duncan says her department is better able to gather more information about vehicle theft suspects. However, Chief Duncan says, more help is needed.

“We need our neighborhood partners to make sure that they are removing their personal belongings from their vehicles, to make sure that they’re locking their vehicles, and then, certainly, if they are a victim of this crime, please reach out to us,” said Chief Duncan.

Chief Duncan adds that unreported crime only makes it harder to tackle the issue at its root.

“Some people don’t want to burden us with a phone call, and believe that’s it’s extra work. But, that’s what we’re here for. Some people have seen the information that we’re putting out, and there might be an issue related to ‘I should’ve known better,'” said Chief Duncan. “Some people are busy with their lives. So, the loss of a handful of change [for example] might not be consequential to them in that moment. But, as it relates to the rest of the neighborhood, it’s a huge, critical piece for us.”

Search For New Chief, Looking Ahead

This drop in Part I crime comes as Chief Duncan prepares to retire. The Chief says she’s most proud of what she calls a shift in the way that her team engages in their mission.

“I think we transitioned from traditional policing style and outlook, into a true, deep understanding of what it means to be community policing-focused, and how that mission can translate to success for everyone,” said Chief Duncan.

Mayor Heath says proficiency in community policing is preferred as the search for a new chief continues. And, inviting the community into the process, he says, will only help.

“We’ve invited about 20 people from the community to take part in the search process,” said Mayor Heath. “So, we’re going to listen to the Haitian population, the Hispanic population, the Korean population, different areas of the city.”

The Mayor adds that Salisbury’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities, will also help boost public safety. Salisbury residents can expect better ADA compliance, new sidewalks, and crosswalks including better signage and lighting. Mayor Heath says this initiative is crucial, considering that 21% of Salisbury residents don’t own a vehicle.

“They’re going to be utilizing the streets, the sidewalks, et cetera,” said Mayor Heath. “That’s going to be the focus of my administration. Public safety has always been number one, and will continue to be number one. I think we’re going in the right direction.”

Beyond that, Mayor Heath says safety is something the city will constantly strive for, no matter how low crime numbers get.

“If you’re moving forward, you’re not moving backward,” said Mayor Heath. “Our intent is to move forward.”