East Palo Alto records another murder-free year, signaling shift from violent past

"East Palo Alto finished 2025 without a single homicide, marking the second murder-free year in three years and reinforcing signs of a lasting departure from the violence that once defined the city. After a historic year logging zero murders for the first time in 2023, one in 2024 and none again in 2025, local police officials said the trend affirms that the city's efforts to reduce violence are working."

"In a New Year's Day social media post, the East Palo Alto Police Department called the milestone a powerful achievement and a testament to what is possible when a community stands together. This achievement belongs to our residents, families, community organizations and first responders who are committed to keeping East Palo Alto a place where life is valued and protected, the department wrote."

"Police Chief Jeff Liu told this news organization that collaboration between law enforcement and the community has been key to sustaining progress. By creating opportunities for our youth, addressing the sources of violence and maintaining accountability, East Palo Alto is moving forward together, he said. In 2023, the city focused on tackling the root causes of crime rather than pursuing arrest quotas, Liu previously said. It also worked to raise officer salaries and improve staffing and retention within the department."

East Palo Alto completed 2025 with zero homicides, marking the second murder-free year in three and continuing a departure from past violence. Local police credited the trend to community and law enforcement collaboration, youth opportunities, addressing violence sources, and accountability. The police department called the milestone a powerful achievement belonging to residents, families, community organizations and first responders. Leadership actions included focusing on root causes of crime instead of arrest quotas, raising officer salaries, and improving staffing and retention. Longtime residents and officials expressed optimism that prioritizing community needs and sustained efforts will maintain safety and peaceful living.

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