Crime is down over 6% in the City of Waterloo—from 2022 to 2023 , there was a 6 . 59% drop in crime , including a nearly 17% decrease in property crime ( down 16 . 98% ) and violent crime ( down 3% ) , according to data compiled by the Waterloo Police Department ( WPD ) .
   These outcomes build on a crime reduction from the previous year of 2022 , when crime in Waterloo went down just under 4% at 3 . 99% and property crime dipped 8 . 39% .
   In 2023 , the WPD recovered just over 200 firearms , down from nearly 250 in 2022 . The firearms recovered were used in the commission of a crime or possessed by prohibited persons . Crimes related to firearms also followed a downward trend , with a 55% reduction in shooting injuries .
   Homicides also saw a significant decrease from nine to three . There was a small reduction in overall traffic accidents , but an increase in traffic fatalities .
   Our community continues to deal with problems impacting many jurisdictions nationwide , like opioid addiction and overdoses . In 2022 , WPD investigated six drug overdose deaths , with seven fatal overdose investigations this past year . Overdose deaths are investigated by the Tri - County Drug Enforcement Task Force and can result in Federal Prosecution .
   The now fully - staffed Waterloo Police Department continues to work with local , state and federal partners to address crime from both an enforcement , prevention and deterrence model . The department reached full sworn staffing as authorized by the Waterloo City Council . This milestone was achieved due to the hard work and support of elected officials , city and police staff and the community .
   “These new officers are fine examples of the professionalism we expect from each officer within the organization , and have joined our veteran officers in providing an excellent professional police service . We continue to seek and hire the highest quality employees to work within our agency , ” says Chief Joe Leibold .
   This year brought expanded training opportunities thanks to the Waterloo Police Racial Equity Training Fund . WPD provided Diversity , Equity , Inclusion and Belonging Training from Leader Valley along with Law Enforcement Ethics Training presented by the Robert D . and Billie Ray Center through Drake University , under the Josephson Exemplary Policing Initiative . Both trainings were well received by all employees .
   “Our focus in 2024 is to work each day to have a positive impact on the community we serve . We are committed to providing fair , transparent , professional police services in a manner that promotes relationship building , integrity , diversity and inclusion , ” adds Leibold .
   Click hereto view the entire report on the Waterloo Police ' s website .
   

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