Monthly Crime Statistics

Calls for service represent all requests for police assistance and officer-initiated activities, including both criminal and non-criminal incidents. Examples include traffic complaints, suspicious circumstances, welfare checks, parking concerns, collisions, directed patrol activity, and community assistance requests.

An increase in calls for service does not necessarily indicate an increase in crime. Through May 2026, reported serious offenses increased only 4% compared to the same period in 2025, while calls for service increased 55%, reflecting a combination of proactive police activity, community reporting, and public safety service requests. 

Public Safety Highlights (Through May 2026)

The Mercer Island Police Department continues to focus on proactive policing, crime prevention, and community safety. Through May 2026, officers responded to 9,547 calls for service, conducted 1,674 directed patrols, investigated 148 serious crimes, and made 122 adult arrests. Property crimes remained the most frequently reported offense category, while crimes against persons remained comparatively low.

Operational Highlights

• Officers issued 542 citations during 1,646 traffic stops and continued targeted enforcement efforts to address traffic safety and community concerns.
• Serious reported crimes remain relatively stable, increasing only 4% year-over-year.
• Adult arrests increased 37%, reflecting proactive enforcement and investigative activity.
• Property crimes account for approximately 86% of all reported serious offenses.
• Theft and larceny remain the most commonly reported crime category with 82 incidents year-to-date.

How 2026 Compares to Historical Trends

10-Year Perspective

While calls for service remain high, reported serious crime remains significantly below historic levels. Through May 2026, the department has documented 148 serious offenses, compared with the 10-year average of 558.

Property crimes continue to trend below historic levels:

• 13 burglaries compared to a 10-year average of 57
• 80 thefts/larcenies compared to a 10-year average of 358
• 5 motor vehicle thefts compared to a 10-year average of 23

These statistics reflect the department's commitment to maintaining public safety through proactive patrol, responsive service, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and community engagement.

What the Data Shows

• Serious crime remains significantly below historical averages.
• Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft continue to trend below long-term levels.
• Traffic collisions remain well below the 10-year average.
• Officers continue proactive enforcement and patrol efforts while responding to a high volume of calls for service.
• Year-to-date statistics should be viewed as a snapshot and may change throughout the year as activity levels fluctuate.

Acknowledgement

Statistics provide valuable insight into public safety trends, but do not fully capture the daily work performed by officers, dispatchers, records personnel, and support staff who serve the Mercer Island community.

How Safe is Mercer Island?

Through May 2026, Mercer Island continues to experience crime and traffic collision levels well below long-term historical averages. While public safety challenges remain, current data show that serious crime, property crime, and collisions are trending below historic levels. These trends continue to support Mercer Island's reputation as one of the safest communities in Washington State.

Crime Mapping - Where Crime Occurs

Residents can view recent crime activity through the Mercer Island Community Crime Mapping Program. Crime mapping provides geographic context and allows residents to review recent reported incidents in their neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to use the mapping tool to better understand crime trends and public safety activity in their neighborhoods.City of Mercer Island Crime Mapping

What we measure

Additional Pages

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Mercer Island Crime Mapping

• Raw Statistics