Homicide rates down in 2024 amid crime uptick in Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Salinas Police gave their 2024 annual report at the Police Community Advisory Committee meeting tonight, laying out statistics from the last year of policing in Salinas.

The department says that there were more than 2,000 arrests in 2024.

Police highlighted a 45 percent drop in homicides for 2024, as well as some decreases in burglary and robbery cases, while all other categories saw increases last year.

Salinas Police's solve rate for those homicides was higher than the national average at 66.7 percent, thanks to technology and the community.

The department also noted improvements in diversity, with an 18 percent increase in female new hires in 2024, and nearly half of the department's sworn officers are now Spanish speakers.