While the population in Greenville continues to grow, the city's leading lawman says the crime rate has dropped. In the first quarter of 2026, Greenville Police Chief Howie Thompson says, overall crime is down more than 20 percent.
During a City Council presentation, Thompson highlighted declines in violent crime, property crime, and thefts from vehicles. So far this year, violent crime is down 6 percent, while property crime has dropped 23 percent.
While the department has seen a slight uptick in calls for service, officials say that may be due to stronger community relationships and more proactive neighborhood engagement. City leaders also expect a new Real Time Crime Center to further improve public safety.
The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes 1-point-1 million dollars to create a centralized hub that uses live data to support officers in the field.
