Public Safety

Public safety is the most frequent concern I hear from residents. It is a fundamental need for all and a top priority. Here is what we are seeing and how, as a city, we are aiming to combat these concerns:

• In 2024, we reviewed data from the past three years and noticed an upward trend in juvenile crime. This issue is not confined to Renton; the trend is evident throughout the region.
• In September 2024, the City of Renton collaborated with the mayors of Auburn, Kent, and Federal Way to publish an editorial in the Seattle Times to call for accountability and a new approach to addressing juvenile crime.
• Crime in Renton is on a downward trend overall in 2024:
  • Motor vehicle theft has decreased by 35%
  • Malicious mischief has decreased by 21.2%
  • Juvenile suspects have decreased by 25.4%
  • Commercial burglary has decreased by 35.2%
  • Robbery has decreased by 35%
  • Assault via firearm decreased by 15%
  • DUI cases increased by 35.3% due to increased patrols
• Renton Police Department prioritizes strategies combining effective policing, community engagement, and targeted interventions.
• Increased number of patrol units (8)
• Specialized Units:
  • Violent Crime Unit: Dedicated to combatting violent crime and gang activity. The unit is the department's response to the increase in violent crime, especially juvenile crime.
  • Special Enforcement Team: This team focuses on undercover operations and conducts long-term investigations that target the 20% of criminals responsible for 80% of the crimes, such as high-level organized retail theft rings and narcotic investigations.
  • Directed Enforcement Team: This team focuses on collaboration with residents, businesses, and community organizations on short-term investigations and proactive community outreach.
• In 2024, there were 302 firearms confiscated. In 2025, thus far, 52 guns have been removed.
• The department is among the first cities in the nation to implement a drone program to support investigations and assist with in-progress calls on the street.
• Focusing on upstream investment before crime becomes an option for our youth (Youth Academy, Renton Health Hub, etc.).
• An example of cross-departmental collaboration to enhance public safety is through Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). This proactive strategy employs specific design principles to optimize public spaces and deter criminal behavior before it occurs, including natural access control, improved visibility, lighting, and landscaping.
• Example of projects that incorporates CPTED in the design plans:
  • South 7th Street Corridor project
  • Burnett and Talbot
  • Family First Community Center
  • Piazza Park
• Traffic calming measures focus on design improvements, traffic signaling, and increased patrols to significantly enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians. Completed projects include Lake Washington Boulevard and Puget Drive, which resulted in drivers traveling over 30 MPH dropping by 93% and the average speed decreasing by 12 MPH.
• Public safety includes providing a safe and healthy environment, including stormwater planning through road designs for flood mitigations and preventing pollution from entering our rivers, streams, and lakes.
• The city conducts environmental reviews for all projects impacting water safety and quality.
• The city's Public Works Maintenance crews have one of the region's fastest road clearance response times for snow, ice, wind, and roadway debris.