The Republican Party of Duval County praised Sheriff T.K. Waters and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for "historic" decreases in murders and property crime in the City through a statement this week.
In a statement, the Duval GOP reported that Jacksonville saw a 53.91% decline in murders in 2024, a 15.6% decrease in overall crime in 2025, including 7.8% reduction in violent crime, and a 17.4% drop in property crime.
Duval GOP Chairman Charles Barr credited the trends to "effective law enforcement and community partnership" over the years.
"These results are not accidental - they are direct return on investment from strategic policing, strong leadership, and the unwavering dedication of JSO officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our citizens," Barr said.
In addition, the Duval GOP noted the office's role in fighting the opioid crisis. Specifically, opioid investigations dropped from 472 cases in 2022 to 236 in 2025.
The GOP also commended JSO narcotics investigators for seizing 197 crime guns and recording only one documented gang murder in the city, crediting it to "strong leadership, accountability, and community partnership."
"The Duval GOP applauds Sheriff Waters and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for their exceptional service and steadfast commitment to making Jacksonville a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. We look forward to continued progress and remain committed to supporting policies that prioritize public safety and law enforcement," Barr concluded.
