Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington has released its highly anticipated State of Public Safety Report for 2024, offering a comprehensive look into the efforts and accomplishments of the city’s key public safety agencies over the past year. The report underscores significant strides made in public safety, health, and community well-being, with a focus on the Bloomington Police Department (BPD), Bloomington Fire Department (BFD), and the Community and Family Resources Department (CFRD).
Mayor Kerry Thomson, in her reflection on the report, highlighted the challenges faced by the city’s public safety teams and the continued growth of community needs. “As we reflected on 2024, one thing was clear: our community’s needs were growing and so was the demand on our public safety teams,” she said. “When I came into office, I saw firsthand how many of our frontline workers were asked to do more with less. My team and I prioritized listening, problem-solving, and making sure our public servants had what they needed to serve our residents with care, efficiency, and dignity. This report reflects the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re committed to continuing.”
The annual report highlights several key achievements in 2024 across Bloomington’s three primary public safety sectors, each of which saw measurable improvements despite facing an increasing demand for services.
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A standout feature of the 2024 report was the Bloomington Police Department’s success in reducing violent crime. The department reported a notable 24.3% decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year. In addition to this significant reduction, the overall crime rate in the city fell by 0.8%. These declines are part of a broader trend towards enhanced safety in Bloomington.
The BPD also made substantial strides in responding to public safety incidents. The department saw a 31% reduction in calls involving weapons, reflecting their continued commitment to creating safer neighborhoods. However, despite fewer weapon-related incidents, BPD saw a 2.4% increase in the overall number of calls, as well as a 24% rise in traffic stops, indicating a proactive approach in policing efforts.
In a continued effort to improve its operations, the city also began exploring the potential for a new police headquarters at 714 S. Rogers St. The move, which is still in the planning stages, has garnered support from both police administration and union members as a necessary step to better accommodate the department’s growing needs.
The Bloomington Fire Department also experienced significant growth in its operations in 2024. The department responded to 8.3% more calls than in the previous year, reflecting the increasing demand for emergency services. Additionally, BFD completed 23% more inspections, highlighting their proactive approach to ensuring public safety and compliance with safety regulations.
A key program that saw substantial growth was the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, which continued to provide essential services to residents. This program, designed to bridge the gap between healthcare and emergency services, demonstrated an increase in patient interaction, underscoring its vital role in the community’s health infrastructure. The program’s expansion helped to meet the growing needs of residents who require ongoing support outside of traditional emergency response.
In a notable development, Fire Station 1 was reopened after undergoing renovations. The improvements to the station not only enhanced the quality of life for firefighters but also provided them with better resources to protect and serve the community. The upgraded facilities are expected to improve overall efficiency and safety for both firefighters and residents alike.
The Community and Family Resources Department (CFRD) played an integral role in addressing the social challenges faced by Bloomington residents, particularly those impacted by violence and homelessness. In 2024, CFRD administered $117,800 in Violence Reduction Grants to support local initiatives aimed at reducing violence through community-driven programs. These grants empowered neighborhood organizations and residents to take proactive steps towards creating safer, more resilient communities.
CFRD also administered $250,000 in Downtown Outreach Grants, focusing on improving conditions for individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless. This effort was part of a broader strategy to enhance the well-being of some of the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Another key achievement for CFRD was the launch of Helping Bloomington Monroe, a free community resource program that facilitated 7,695 searches for services. This program, which connects residents with essential social services, has become a critical tool for supporting Bloomington’s residents in times of need.
As part of the ongoing evolution of the department, Mayor Thomson appointed Shatoyia Moss as CFRD Director in July 2024. This appointment, along with the hiring of Andrew Shannon as the city’s Safe and Civil City Director in November, is seen as a commitment to strengthening the city’s social services and public safety infrastructure.
The 2024 State of Public Safety Report paints a picture of a city that is making strides in addressing its growing public safety needs. With increased resources, expanded programs, and a commitment to supporting frontline workers, Bloomington is well-positioned to continue making progress in the years ahead. The ongoing investment in public safety ensures that Bloomington remains a safe, thriving community where residents can live, work, and grow with confidence.
For those interested in reading the full report and learning more about the city’s public safety efforts, the complete document is available on the city’s official website at bloomington.in.gov/public-safety/annual-reports, where the 2025 Public Safety Report is also available for viewing.
