Crime Prevention in a Growing City: MPD’s 2024 Annual Report

Published on March 05, 2025

As Maricopa continues to grow at a rapid pace, we know one thing for sure: safety matters. The latest 2024 report from the Maricopa Police Department (MPD) shows a 1% reduction in crime per capita on top of 2023’s 10% reduction in crime per capita. Both are no small feat when you consider that our city population is growing by 6 to 7 percent each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“We understand that many people worry that as cities grow, crime will follow. But in Maricopa, we’re proving that growth and safety can go hand-in-hand,” said Chief Mark Goodman. “Crime does happen, but our focus is on staying ahead of it. We’re not just reacting—we’re being proactive, continuously adapting, and ensuring our community’s safety remains a top priority.”

Responding with Precision and Care:

The MPD has worked hard to balance an expanding population with the increased demands on public safety. From answering 69,279 calls at the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) to keeping our 911 response time at an incredible 99.5% within 15 seconds, the department is staying ahead of the curve. We know how much our residents rely on timely responses, and MPD has made that a top priority.

But it’s not just about answering calls quickly. It’s about answering them with the right help. That’s why the department embedded mental health professionals within the ECC to respond to mental health crises. This means that when someone needs more than just law enforcement, they get the appropriate care, and officers can focus on other urgent matters. This collaborative approach is part of what makes Maricopa a place where safety goes beyond just patrol cars on the street.

And it's not just about the calls; it’s about being visible and engaged with the community. Whether it’s the “Against Abuse Angel Tree” during the holidays or the department’s participation in local events like “Copa Cultural Night” and “Shop with a Cop,” the MPD is actively building relationships with residents. These initiatives help foster trust, and that trust is essential in keeping our community safe.

A Police Department That Keeps Evolving:

Despite these efforts, we know that a growing city means growing challenges. As more people move to Maricopa, the demands on the police department increase, too. The good news? The MPD is keeping pace. Not only has the department increased its staff to meet these demands, but they’ve also created new positions designed to help lower crime even further in the coming year.

“We’re always pushing to do more—crime reduction is an ongoing effort, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to keep this city safe,” Chief Goodman said. “We’re thankful to our City Council for supporting our public safety team and ensuring we have the resources necessary to make safety a top priority. As Maricopa continues to grow, we’re ready to meet the challenges and keep our city safe.”

 Want to hear Chief Goodman's full presentation given to council? Check it out below! 

Click here to for a copy of Chief Goodman's presentation slides.