Skewing The Statistics — Is Crime Really Down?

Are Dallas Crime Stats Telling the Whole Story?

Posted on August 26, 2025

Crime in Dallas, Texas, is a hot topic, with headlines often claiming crime is down. But is that the full picture? Over the past 10 years, some folks have raised concerns that crime statistics might be skewed, making things look better than they are. Let’s break it down in simple terms to understand what’s going on.

What’s Behind the Numbers?

In recent years, Dallas has reported drops in violent crimes like murders and assaults. For example, in 2024, murders dropped by 65 compared to 2023, and violent crime hit its lowest point since 2020. That sounds great, right? But some changes in how crimes are reported might make these stats look better than reality.

1. New Reporting System (NIBRS)

In 2021, Dallas switched to a new crime reporting system called NIBRS, which tracks more details than the old system. This change can make it hard to compare old and new data, sometimes creating the appearance of fewer crimes when it’s really just a reporting difference.

2. Changing Crime Definitions

Some crimes, like sexual assault, got new definitions in recent years. For instance, in 2014, Texas updated how it defines rape, which affected how those crimes were counted. This can lead to gaps or inconsistencies in the data, making it seem like certain crimes dropped.

3. Focus on Violent Crimes

Dallas has focused heavily on reducing violent crimes through plans like the 2021 Violent Crime Reduction Plan. While this led to a 15.3% drop in violent street crimes by 2023, other crimes—like car thefts or drug offenses—haven’t seen the same progress. Highlighting only the good news can make overall crime seem lower than it is.

4. Underreporting Minor Crimes

With only about 3,000 police officers (1,000 fewer than recommended), Dallas police may not always record minor crimes like vandalism or petty theft. Some residents feel their reports don’t make it into official stats, which can fuel distrust.

5. Community Perception

Apps like Nextdoor and Citizen let people share crime stories, but these don’t always match official reports. This mismatch makes some folks think the police are hiding or downplaying crimes, even if it’s more about data gaps or delays.

What Does This Mean?

Crime stats are tricky. A drop in murders doesn’t tell the whole story when property crimes, like car thefts, are still high (41 per 1,000 people in 2023). The way data is collected, reported, or shared can create a rosier picture than what’s happening on the ground. It’s not necessarily intentional, but changes in systems, limited police resources, and selective focus can skew perceptions.

How to Stay Informed

If you want the real scoop, check out the Dallas Police Department’s crime dashboards for daily updates. You can also look at the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Crime in Texas reports or the FBI’s crime data for a broader view. Just remember: numbers need context to make sense.

Next time you hear “crime is down in Dallas,” dig a little deeper. The truth might be more complicated than it seems. What do you think about crime reporting in Dallas? Drop a comment below and let’s talk!