Is It Still A Crime If We Ignore It?

Is Dallas Hiding the Truth About Crime Stats?

Is Dallas Hiding the Truth About Crime Stats?

Posted on August 26, 2025

Crime stats in Dallas, Texas, often make headlines, with claims of dropping crime rates. But are the numbers telling the whole story? Over the past decade, some residents and reports suggest that crime data might be skewed, partly because of how Dallas police handle lower-level crimes. Let’s unpack what’s going on.

A Plan to Skip Minor Crimes?

In January 2021, a Dallas Police Department (DPD) memo shocked many when it suggested officers wouldn’t respond to low-priority calls like car thefts, vandalism, or child custody disputes. Instead, these would go to an online reporting system to free up officers for violent crimes. With only 3,000 officers—1,000 short of what’s needed—DPD was stretched thin. But after public outcry and criticism from Governor Greg Abbott, the plan was scrapped within days, never taking effect. Still, it raised questions about whether minor crimes are being underreported.

Why Stats Might Look Off

  • New Reporting System: In 2021, Dallas switched to NIBRS, a detailed crime reporting system. This change makes it tough to compare older data, sometimes making crime seem lower than it is.
  • Focus on Violent Crime: DPD’s 2021 Violent Crime Reduction Plan cut violent street crimes by 15.3% by 2023. But property crimes, like car thefts (41 per 1,000 people in 2023), stayed high, and minor crimes may get less attention.
  • Fewer Officers: With a short-staffed force, DPD prioritizes murders and assaults over petty theft or vandalism, leading some residents to feel their reports are ignored.
  • Community Distrust: Apps like Nextdoor show residents reporting crimes that don’t always match official stats, fueling suspicions that data is skewed.

The Bigger Picture

Violent crime, like murders, dropped in 2024 (65 fewer than 2023), but overall crime remains high due to property crimes. The 2021 memo, though never implemented, showed how stretched police resources can spark concerns about underreporting. It’s not about hiding crimes but about tough choices in a strained system.

Stay Curious

Check DPD’s crime dashboards or the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Crime in Texas reports for raw data. Ask questions and dig deeper—crime stats are more complex than they seem. What’s your take on Dallas crime reporting? Share in the comments!

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