Violent And Property Crimes Down In Tuscaloosa, City Data Shows

Among the first things prospective businesses, industries, and parents of potential students at UA and Stillman look at when considering whether to invest in or send their children to Tuscaloosa is the crime rate.

After a lot of hard work by Tuscaloosa Police officers and the citizens of the community, the arrows depicting violent and property crimes in the city are pointing downward.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department receives crime data updates at various times during the year, and the latest figures are good news.

The report reveals that violent crime as well as property crime are down compared to this time last year. Through the end of July, criminal homicides are down 38.5 from 2024. Attempted murders have dropped more than half, from 14 at this time last year to six this year-to-date.

Felony assaults with a firearm have also decreased by 15% and incidents of shooting into an occupied dwelling or vehicle is also lower by 34%. The good news doesn't stop here.

Property crimes are also trending lower. Robbery and carjacking cases, while on the increase nationwide, are down 32.5% in Tuscaloosa. Vehicle thefts dropped nearly 39%, and unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, the most common property crime reported according to TPD, is 18.8% lower.

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“The support we’ve had from our city leaders, and the work of our officers has made a real difference, and you can see it in these numbers,” TPD Chief Brent Blankley was quoted as saying in a press release.

Community policing resulting in increased numbers of officers in neighborhoods is being credited for the sharp reduction in homicides, robbery and carjacking in Tuscaloosa so far this year.

Dealing with mental health issues via two social workers have also helped prevent crises from escalating into crimes.

Blankly also told the media that calls from the public have increased, which helps considerably.

With students back on campus at UA, Chief Blankley is cautioning them to keep their apartment and car doors locked and not to leave valuables, especially firearms, in their vehicles. They are also advised not to walk alone on campus or in their neighborhood at night.

Reducing crime rates begins with not making yourself a victim.