The City of Gary continues to see progress in its fight against crime. According to the Gary Police Department’s 2025 Mid-Year Public Safety Report, released last week, the city has experienced a significant reduction in violent crime and non-fatal shootings during the first six months of the year. From January through June 2025, homicides fell to nine cases—a 55% decrease compared to 20 during the same period in 2024. Non-fatal shootings also dropped to 55, down from 75 incidents, marking a 26% decline.
Police officials credited proactive policing, increased patrols, and community partnerships for the improvements. The department’s homicide clearance rate reached 88%, surpassing the national average.
“Our top priority is to protect the people of Gary and create a safer community,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “These results show that the investments in proactive policing and the leadership of Chief Derrick Cannon are making a difference. We will continue to focus on community partnerships and public safety strategies that drive results.”
According to the report, Gary Police officers responded to 38,297 calls for service between January and June 2025. Premise checks and extra patrols rose by 8.4%, totaling 4,589 compared to 4,232 in 2024. While shots-fired calls remained virtually unchanged at 551, traffic-related deaths and accidents showed encouraging declines. Fatal accidents fell 33%, and total vehicle crashes dropped 16%.
The department also reported increased towing and impound actions, which rose 17%, signaling a stronger enforcement presence on city roadways.
Investigations and narcotics enforcement continued at an aggressive pace. The department’s Investigations Division charged 168 defendants with 450 felonies and 158 misdemeanor counts in the first half of 2025. Forty-four individuals were charged in narcotics cases, resulting in 94 felony and 46 misdemeanor charges.
Overdose responses were also down. The city recorded 37 overdose cases—a 36% decrease—with non-fatal overdoses dropping nearly 50%. Fatal overdoses remained steady at 15.
“I am proud of the progress our department has made so far in 2025,” said Chief Derrick Cannon. “We are seeing positive results because of our focus on accountability, proactive policing, and strong partnerships with the community. Together, we can continue to make Gary a safer place for all.”
Beyond Policing: Support Systems That Make a
Difference
In addition to the Gary Police Department’s efforts, much of the credit may also belong to a network of community-based organizations and support agencies working quietly behind the scenes. Local institutions like Edgewater Health and Geminus Corporation have expanded mental health and addiction services that help residents avoid crisis-level encounters. Edgewater, for example, offers trauma-informed counseling and integrated primary care, while Geminus provides addiction recovery and early intervention programs for families.
Job training and employment programs operated by WorkOne Northwest Indiana and the Gary Job Corps Center have created alternatives for young adults vulnerable to cycles of violence and poverty. These programs teach technical trades, help residents obtain certifications, and connect participants directly with employers in healthcare, logistics, and construction.
The City of Gary Department of Health and Human Services continues to play a critical role in stabilizing families and improving access to housing assistance, utility support, and social services. Meanwhile, faith-based organizations and street-level violence interrupters work in neighborhoods to mediate conflicts, support victims of violence, and provide positive mentorship for youth. Together, these partners form a safety net that may be helping to reduce crime by addressing its root causes.
As of mid-July, the department had hired five new officers and plans to fill additional positions in the coming months. A citywide One-Day Hiring Event will be held on August 16, 2025, to attract new recruits. The department has also made investments in patrol equipment, officer wellness programs, and facility upgrades to help retain experienced staff.
Chief Cannon reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency and community partnership. “Keeping our streets safe is a shared responsibility, and we thank our community for their continued partnership,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by submitting anonymous tips through the city’s text-a-tip line at (219) 207-8477.