From January through September, total reported crimes declined 10.39% compared to the same period last year - a reduction of 1,205 incidents. Police also noted a slight drop in arrests (1.02%), marking 53 fewer arrests.
Violent Crime Trends
While total crimes against people dropped 10.68%, the department reported a notable increase in homicides. Fayetteville recorded 32 homicides and 34 victims this year through September - up from 19 incidents and 19 victims in 2024, marking a 68.42% rise.
Rape cases decreased 14.58%, and aggravated assaults fell by about 12%. The number of suicides also decreased 12% from last year, while overdose deaths rose 55%.
Police data show firearms were involved in 65% of homicides and 57% of suicides so far in 2025.
Property Crimes Down Across the Board
Property-related offenses showed the largest decline. Reported property crimes fell 12.31%, with notable decreases in burglary (down 15.59%), larceny (down 11.68%), and motor vehicle theft (down 6.67%). Robberies remained roughly steady, rising just 1.21%.
Youth Crime Sees Uptick
The report highlights an increase in juvenile crime. Police logged 941 incident reports involving juveniles, up 12.29% from last year, and 835 youth were involved in reported incidents, a 20.83% increase. Assaults among juveniles rose sharply by 85% from 161 last year to 298 this year, while robberies more than doubled from 15 incidents to 31.
Officers also documented an increase in field contacts with youth, rising 56.68% from 217 to 340. Police noted that a citywide 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew applies to minors, with 31 incidents involving kids and teens taking place in that window of time. Despite the number of contacts between juveniles and law enforcement during that time, no citations were issued related to the curfew.
Youth Crime Sees Uptick
Community Engagement and Partnerships
The department continues to collaborate with the city's Office of Community Safety, coordinating weekly meetings and joint responses to community concerns, particularly related to homelessness. Fayetteville Police also supported several community events, including "Coffee with a Cop," "National Night Out," and youth engagement programs.
Partnerships with the U.S. Attorney's Office remain active under the Violent Crime Action Plan through Project Safe Neighborhoods. In 2025, joint federal and state task force efforts have led to 78 firearms seized, $198,033 in assets confiscated, and 30 individuals federally sentenced for criminal activity.
Traffic Safety and Enforcement
Traffic fatalities decreased from 26 to 21 deaths, though the department noted an increase in fatal speed-related crashes from 7 to 12. Total traffic stops rose slightly from 35,871 last year to 40,342 stops conducted citywide this year.
Department Staffing and Internal Affairs
As of the third quarter, the department reported 595 employees out of 683 budgeted positions, with an overall vacancy rate of 13%. Police officers account for 60 of those vacancies.
Internal Affairs data show relatively stable numbers from last year: 50 use-of-force incidents, 49 internal investigations, and 28 citizen complaints. The department also logged 32 positive commendations from the public.
Continuing Focus on Safety
Chief and department leadership emphasized continued efforts to reduce violent crime while maintaining strong community relationships. The report concludes with a reaffirmation of the Fayetteville Police Department's mission and commitment to transparency, safety, and public trust.
If you want to read the full 3rd quarter 2025 Fayetteville Police Department's crime report, click here and select the file under the attachments category marked "FINAL FPD 2025 3 QTR".
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