Escambia County Homicides Drop 40 Percent in 2025—Sheriff Credits Technology and Smart Enforcement

Crime statistics show Escambia County experienced its safest year in recent history, with significant reductions in both homicides and violent crime.

Escambia County residents can feel safer heading into 2026. Sheriff Chip Simmons reported a dramatic 40 percent reduction in homicides last year—dropping from the typical 30 to 35 homicides annually to just 18 in 2025.

"Escambia County has never been as safe as they are now," Simmons said during an appearance on Pensacola Morning News. "And we have never been as capable as we are today."

The broader picture is equally encouraging, Simmons says all violent crimes dropped 13 to 15 percent year-over-year, representing a more reliable indicator than homicide numbers alone due to the larger sample size. The downward trend mirrors statewide and national patterns, but Escambia County is keeping pace with that progress.

Simmons credits several factors for the improvement. Technology plays a significant role—license plate readers, surveillance cameras, and stolen vehicle tracking systems are changing criminal behavior. Simmons noted that criminals arrested by his department openly acknowledge they have to operate differently because of these tools.

The Sheriff's Office also doubled its narcotics unit last year, breaking records for fentanyl and methamphetamine seizures. Simmons identified a key connection: when deputies seize more drugs during traffic stops, they're also removing more guns from the streets. The two problems are intertwined.

"When we're seizing more drugs or stopping more cars for drugs, we're taking more guns off the street," Simmons explained.

The department is positioning itself for continued improvement. The Board of County Commissioners approved eight additional deputy positions in October, aimed at getting deputies closer to residents when 911 calls come in for faster response times.

Simmons emphasized that the focus isn't hitting static goals and becoming complacent. Instead, the philosophy is continuous excellence—always looking for ways to improve, never settling for "good enough."