KDPS Highlights 2025 Public Safety Accomplishments

Published on January 06, 2026

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) is sharing several of its most significant public safety accomplishments from 2025, highlighted by long-term reductions in violent crime, strong emergency response, and continued investment in both police and fire/rescue services.

Violent crime in the City of Kalamazoo reached a ten-year low in 2025, down 10% compared to a decade ago. Property crime also declined over the same period, down 17% over ten years. Over the past five years, several of the city’s most serious offenses have declined substantially, reflecting sustained progress and long-term impact rather than short-term fluctuation.

Over the past five years, homicides decreased by 53%, aggravated assaults declined by 28%, and robberies dropped by 44%. Property crime also continued a downward trend, with arson down 54% and motor vehicle theft down 34% over the same five-year period.

“These reductions represent years of focused work, accountability, and partnership,” said Chief of Public Safety David Boysen. “Reaching ten-year lows in violent crime and seeing consistent five-year declines in serious offenses shows the strength of our approach and the dedication of our personnel.”

In 2025, KDPS officers responded to 122,024 police calls for service, with an average response time of 423 seconds for in-progress incidents. Proactive enforcement and investigative efforts resulted in the seizure of 407 illegal firearms, alongside continued reductions in shots-fired incidents and non-fatal shootings.

Fire and rescue services remained a critical part of KDPS’s all-hazards public safety mission. Fire/rescue crews and public safety officers responded to 13,943 fire and rescue calls, including more than 11,600 EMS and rescue responses and 2,340 fire-related calls. Crews handled 88 structure fires and maintained strong response times, averaging 236 seconds to structure fires and 380 seconds to medical emergencies.

KDPS also emphasized prevention and trust-building beyond emergency response. In 2025, the department participated in 105 community engagement events, including neighborhood outreach, youth programming, training, and major community events throughout the city.

“Public safety is more than response numbers,” Boysen said. “It’s about relationships, visibility, and trust. Our community engagement efforts are a key part of why these long-term reductions are possible.”

The department continued investing in its workforce by hiring 13 new personnel and making 12 promotions across police and fire ranks, strengthening leadership and operational readiness.

As KDPS looks ahead to 2026, the department will remain focused on sustaining crime reductions, supporting employee wellness, and continuing to serve the City of Kalamazoo with professionalism, transparency, and collaboration.

By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton