I am writing to you today following several deeply unfortunate incidents that have impacted our City. While events such as an armed robbery and two recent homicides are thankfully rare, they leave a lasting impression on all of us. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and community members affected by these tragedies. On behalf of the City of Fremont, please know you have our support.
I want to reassure you: Fremont remains a safe city, as it has for many decades. Our Police Department is actively investigating these cases. The homicides—our first two of 2025—have been solved, and multiple suspects connected to the robbery have been apprehended. Our officers, dispatchers, and professional staff remain dedicated to protecting Fremont with professionalism, care, and unwavering commitment.
In 2024, Fremont saw a reduction in both violent and property crimes, as well as in calls for service and documented police reports. Our recruitment efforts have gained momentum—with 44 officers hired in the last 18 months—and we’re investing in technology that enhances efficiency and responsiveness. I know that statistics mean little when some residents and workers don’t feel safe in certain areas, walking to their cars, or when concerns persist. Despite data supporting lower crime incidents, we understand that public safety isn’t just about crime rates—it’s about feeling secure in your workplace, neighborhood, and daily routine. I want to be clear: The Fremont Police Department is deeply committed to public safety—and we are listening and taking action. Increased patrols and visible enforcement are already underway in areas where these crimes occurred, and we will continue to reinforce our presence in the community.
In partnership with the City Manager and with the steadfast support of the City Council, we are investing in long-term solutions that enhance public safety and modernize our response capabilities. Initiatives such as the new Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), the Drone as First Responder program, and the expansion of our network of community cameras serve as vital force multipliers, complementing and supporting traditional law enforcement efforts. By leveraging real-time data and advanced crime analysis technology, we are able to respond faster, improve safety and situational awareness, deploy resources more strategically, utilize civilian personnel to free up police officers, and prevent crime with greater precision and efficiency.
We are reviewing each case thoroughly and continuously evaluating how our deployment models, staffing, and technology can better meet the needs of our community. At this time, we do not see evidence of a broader trend or staffing-related concerns in these cases. The two homicides appear to be isolated, involving acquaintances of the victims, and pose no ongoing risk to the public.
Our department’s objective is clear: protect life, ensure safety, and foster community trust. Safety is a shared responsibility, and I believe Fremont is strongest when we work together. Business leaders, residents, and community advocates—your voice shapes our approach, and your partnership strengthens our outcomes. Still, we recognize that keeping our city safe is an active, ongoing effort, and we continue to stand with our community to develop crime mitigation strategies, seek justice, and relentlessly apprehend criminals intending to commit crimes or harm our community. We remain dedicated to ensuring our City is not only statistically safe, but rich in lived experience—for everyone who lives, works, and invests here.
Thank you for your partnership.
With respect,
Sean Washington
City of Fremont Police Chief
