The City of Bryan and the Bryan Police Department released statistics today that show crime has dropped in the city compared to this time last year. Only one murder has taken place in 2026. Robberies are down 35% and Vehicle Thefts are down 34%. Here is the full media release from 09/21/2026: (Bryan, TX) – Continuously measuring and improving quality of life in the community is a key priority for the City of Bryan and the Bryan City Council, and that includes actively protecting public safety. Even as the city has experienced substantial population growth, the Bryan Police Department reports continued positive crime trends in 2026, building on a significant long-term reduction in reported crime. The city’s intent is to ensure all Bryan residents benefit from a clear focus on reducing crime. “Quality of life encompasses many things, including parks and recreation, water, economic development, libraries and focused public safety units earnestly working to keep our community safe,” Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said. “We are fortunate to have dedicated and passionate men and women in the Bryan Police Department who are willing to put their lives on the line every day to ensure we enjoy a great quality of life.” Crime trends are often tracked using the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, split into Part I and Part II crimes. UCR Part I offenses account for 10 of the most serious crimes. In 1991, Bryan experienced an all-time high of 4,889 UCR Part I offenses. In 2025, that number was down to 1,286 — a reduction of almost 74%. That decline is continuing despite significant population growth. Since 2005, Bryan’s population has grown from 69,851 residents to 92,664, an increase of almost 33%. In that same period, the Bryan Police Department has grown by 22.5%, from 160 employees to 196. “Looking at a single month or even a single year of crime data does not always tell the complete story,” Bryan Police Chief Dean Swartzlander said. “Bryan is a significantly larger community today, but over the long term, reported crime has declined substantially.” During the first seven months of 2026, the City of Bryan experienced a 5.8% decrease in crime compared with the same period in 2025. Crimes against persons decreased 6%, crimes against property decreased 9.6% and crimes against society decreased 0.7%. Several major offense categories also experienced reductions: Murder: one offense, down 50% Robbery: 11 offenses, down 35.3% Burglary: 62 offenses, down 22.5% Motor Vehicle Theft: 35 offenses, down 34% Larceny/Theft: 452 offenses, down 5% Aggravated Assault: 87 offenses, down 6.5% The Bryan Police Department uses Comparative Statistics and Intelligence-Led Policing as its primary crime reduction strategies. These approaches help identify crime trends, repeat offenders and high-risk locations. By analyzing crime reports, calls for service, investigative information and enforcement data, the department can direct patrol and investigative resources where they are most needed, measure results, and adjust its response to improve public safety. “We are encouraged by the progress, but we are not satisfied by it,” Swartzlander said. “Crime trends can change quickly, and violent crime will always receive our full attention. Our goal is to build on these reductions while continuing to uphold the level of public safety our growing community expects.” Bryan’s growth has led to an increase in regional and national awareness of the city. Southern Living magazine recently highlighted the city’s quality of life, describing the city as having “a slower rhythm, a deep sense of tradition and an authentic glimpse of what makes Texas so unique.” Mayor Gutierrez says continuing to protect the life Southern Living describes is up to the continued direction of the City Council. “We must continue to provide the Bryan Police Department with the resources they need to protect the public, solve crimes and ensure our quality of life is worthy of recognition,” Gutierrez said. “The Department has our trust and our thanks for their assistance in helping Bryan become ‘The Good Life, Texas Style.’” Learn more about the Bryan Police Department and its leadership, programs, services and resources at bryantx.gov/police. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.
