Winter Springs Crime Has Dropped for Three Straight Years. Here’s What the Numbers Show.

Winter Springs Crime Has Dropped for Three Straight Years. Here’s What the Numbers Show.

The Winter Springs Police Department has released its 2025 Annual Report, and one finding stands out above the rest: crime in Winter Springs has declined for three consecutive years.

According to the report, the department recorded 698 incidents in 2025, down from 729 in 2024 and 860 in 2023. That represents a nearly 19% reduction over three years — a trend that reflects both the work of the department and the engagement of residents who take public safety seriously.

Three Years of Decline

The decline is consistent and measurable. Each year since 2023, the number of reported incidents has fallen:

2023: 860 incidents

2024: 729 incidents

2025: 698 incidents

Chief Matthew Tracht credited residents directly in his message accompanying the report. “Your willingness to stay engaged, look out for one another, and speak up when something doesn’t seem right truly makes a difference,” he wrote.

The department handled 84,598 calls for service in 2025, maintaining an average emergency response time of 3 minutes and 23 seconds — a benchmark that reflects the department’s operational capacity relative to the volume of calls it manages.

Where Fraud Stands Out

Not every trend in the report is positive. Fraud-related offenses accounted for roughly 45% of all investigated crimes in 2025 — the most frequently investigated crime category. The department notes that these schemes arrive through phone calls, emails, text messages, and online platforms, and often rely on urgency or fear to manipulate residents.

The guidance is straightforward: verify before acting, avoid clicking unknown links, and never share personal or financial information with unverified sources.

Vehicle Burglaries Remain Largely Preventable

The department recorded 36 vehicle burglaries in 2025. Nearly half involved no forced entry — meaning unlocked doors were a primary factor. The department’s consistent message applies here: lock your vehicle, remove valuables from plain sight, and park in well-lit areas when possible.

Read the Full Report

The complete 2025 Annual Report is embedded below. It includes a full breakdown of operations, staffing, traffic enforcement, internal affairs, accreditation status, and community programs, including the Citizens Police Academy, Coffee with a Cop, and the Special Needs Registry.

Residents with questions or non-emergency concerns can reach the Winter Springs Police Department at (407) 327-1000 or visit winterspringsfl.org/police.

Investing in Our Future: Competitive Police Salaries in Winter Springs

Investing in Our Future: Competitive Police Salaries in Winter Springs

Ensuring Safety Through Competitive Compensation

As part of Winter Springs’ commitment to public safety and attracting top talent, we are taking significant steps to ensure our police department remains competitive in a challenging recruitment environment. Under the leadership of City Manager Kevin Sweet, we’ve implemented a new pay structure for police officers, with starting salaries now set at $63,000. This move is a vital investment in the safety and security of our community.

Why Competitive Salaries Matter

Like many municipalities across the nation, Winter Springs has faced recruitment and retention challenges in law enforcement. In 2024, our city experienced a 25% vacancy rate among sworn officers, with average retention rates of only 26 months. Exit interviews consistently cited pay and benefits as the primary reasons for leaving. Recognizing the critical need to address this issue, our city leadership undertook a comprehensive review of police officer compensation.

The results of this review revealed that Winter Springs ranked in the 18th percentile for police officer pay, far below neighboring municipalities. With data from the HR Consortium and Public Employers Personnel Information Exchange (PEPIE), we developed a plan to bring our salaries in line with regional standards.

The New Plan: Competitive Pay for a Stronger Workforce

Starting December 2, 2024, Winter Springs officers began earning a starting salary of $63,000—an adjustment that reflects a 14% increase. This new pay structure is competitive with agencies across Central Florida and includes benefits designed to attract top candidates and retain skilled officers.

Since implementing the new salary structure, we’ve already seen positive results:

  • Increased Applicants: A surge in qualified candidates, including those from nearby Seminole County agencies.
  • Improved Retention: Conditional offers extended to experienced officers demonstrate the effectiveness of this new approach.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

I fully support this decision as a necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of Winter Springs residents. City Manager Kevin Sweet’s careful research and strategic planning demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a well-staffed and effective police department.

This initiative is a statement about the value we place on our officers and the safety of our community. By offering competitive pay, we’re not only addressing staffing shortages but also positioning Winter Springs as a destination for top law enforcement talent.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Winter Springs Police Jobs

As we move forward, our focus remains on creating an environment where police officers feel valued, supported, and motivated to serve. Competitive pay is just one piece of the puzzle. We will continue to explore innovative strategies to enhance recruitment, retention, and overall job satisfaction within the Winter Springs Police Department.

If you’re considering a career in law enforcement, now is the perfect time to join Winter Springs. Together, we can build a safer, stronger community.