Oro Valley Police Report Highlights 2024 Achievements and Priorities

Public trust and safety remain top goals
The Oro Valley Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report reflects a year of steady progress in community safety, training, and public engagement. The report highlights how the department continues to prioritize public trust through transparency and strong relationships with residents. From response times to crime trends, the report offers valuable insight into how OVPD operates and serves the community.

Serious crime down... Property crime up

While there has been a decrease in certain violent crimes, such as aggravated assaults (from 22 in 2023 to 13 in 2024), property crimes have seen an uptick. For instance, larceny-theft incidents increased from 489 in 2023 to 515 in 2024, and motor vehicle thefts rose from 11 to 19 during the same period. The data underscores the importance of community vigilance and proactive measures to address property crimes. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage with local law enforcement initiatives aimed at crime prevention.

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Less serious crimes show increase in specific categories

The 2024 report shows a mixed picture for Part II crimes, which include a broad range of offenses such as fraud, drug violations, and vandalism. While some categories remained stable or declined, others saw noticeable increases. Drug violations rose from 137 in 2023 to 162 in 2024, and DUI arrests increased from 137 to 153. Vandalism and disorderly conduct also saw modest increases. These trends suggest areas where enforcement and community awareness efforts may need to be focussed in 2025.

Investing in officers and technology
The report outlines the department’s ongoing investments in officer training and new technology. In 2024, officers participated in over 17,000 hours of training covering topics such as mental health, de-escalation, and leadership development. OVPD also expanded its use of license plate readers, drone technology, and updated its body-worn camera system, reinforcing a commitment to both safety and accountability.

Community outreach is a core function
Public engagement remains a pillar of OVPD’s strategy. In 2024, the department continued its popular programs like Coffee with a Cop, Safety Saturdays, and Citizens Police Academy. Officers also visited local schools and held events with neighborhood groups. These efforts build relationships and help residents better understand policing practices and resources available to them.

Why this report matters
Residents who want to better understand how their police department operates—and how it measures performance—will find the report worth reading. It covers everything from staffing and budget to call volume and arrest data. The 2024 report also lays out the department’s goals for the coming year, including improving mental health response, recruiting top talent, and using data to drive decisions.

A department committed to improvement
Overall, the 2024 Annual Report shows that OVPD is not standing still. The department is actively responding to community needs, adapting to challenges, and setting measurable goals. The report is available online and offers a clear view into how public safety is managed in Oro Valley.

Bits and Pieces

OVCN uses added time to try to strengthen their case

A reader wrote to us expressing concern over the Town Council’s decision last week to grant the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) an additional six weeks to present their appeal on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to deny a height increase for a new sanctuary. The added time, the reader noted, allows OVCN time to strengthen their case. The reader pointed out that Paul Oland of Paradigm Land Design, working for OVCN, submitted two requests for information to the town just days later. Both requests seek information on prior building height approvals for similar facilities. The reader questioned why such information was not requested long ago.

March brings outdoor fun and family activities to Oro Valley 

The Oro Valley Parks & Recreation newsletter highlights an exciting lineup of March events for residents of all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can join the Oro Valley Hiking Series on March 1 at Dead Horse Canyon, offering a guided trek through an “unmapped” trail. Music lovers can enjoy a Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch on March 7, featuring a live performance by the Vindaloo Band. Families can look forward to Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch on March 8, complete with historical tours, live music, and a farmers’ market. Later in the month, Movie at the Ranch on March 15 will screen Inside Out 2 under the stars, while Family Camping at the Ranch on March 29-30 provides an opportunity to experience an overnight campout, complete with s’mores and a pancake breakfast. With spring break camps and fitness programs also on the schedule, March is shaping up to be an active and engaging month in Oro Valley.

Text message scam targeting drivers

The February 2025 CrimeFighter Newsletter highlights a new text message scam targeting drivers by falsely claiming they owe unpaid toll road fees. Scammers send messages pretending to be from FasTrak, an electronic toll collection system, and include a link to a fake payment website. The fraudulent messages often create urgency by threatening penalties for non-payment, tricking recipients into providing sensitive financial information. The newsletter warns that a key red flag is the sender’s phone number, which typically originates from the Philippines (+63 country code). FasTrak officials emphasize that they never send text messages demanding payment from non-account holders. Residents are advised to avoid clicking on any links and instead verify toll charges directly through the official FasTrak website.

Ashley Furniture owner Sam levitz faces lawsuit over unpaid rent and customer grievances

In December 2024, the landlords of the Sam Levitz Furniture owned Ashley Furniture, formerly located in the Oro Valley Marketplace, filed a lawsuit in December alleging that the company breached its lease by closing its Oro Valley Ashley Furniture store without notice and failing to pay nearly $60,000 in monthly rent. The lease was intended to run through June 2036. Concurrently, customers have reported unresolved issues, including undelivered furniture and unaddressed warranty claims, with some expressing frustration over the company’s lack of communication since its closure. (Source 1). 

(Source 2)

Here's why we always question the reliability of national rankings about Oro Valley

We are always wary of data provided by national companies ranking Oro Valley in any survey. These rankings are often promotional articles with little data reliability. One example is moveBuddha’s recent ranking of Oro Valley’s moving trends, which reported only 49 moves into the town and a move-in to move-out ratio of 0.49 in 2024. If moveBuddha’s data were the only source considered, this ratio would suggest that more people are leaving Oro Valley than moving in, implying a declining population. This, of course, is not the case, as Oro Valley’s population is growing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oro Valley’s population increased from 47,070 in 2020 to an estimated 48,226 in 2022, indicating an average annual growth rate of approximately 0.6%. This suggests a net increase of about 1,156 residents over two years, or roughly 578 people per year. This figure represents net population growth, accounting for both people moving in and out of Oro Valley, as well as natural changes such as births and deaths.

Bits and Pieces

Town releases simplified financial report for fiscal 2024

The Town of Oro Valley has published the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), a concise and easy-to-read summary of the more detailed Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The PAFR provides residents with key financial information, including revenues, expenditures, net assets, debt, financial ratings, and historical trends. It offers a clear overview of the Town’s fiscal health and achievements, making it more accessible to the community. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley brings back public art tours

The Town of Oro Valley is relaunching its in-person Public Art Tour Program starting February 2, 2025. The tours, which were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, are being offered as a pilot program with free participation this season. Tours will take participants to over 20 locations around Oro Valley to view various public art pieces, with stops at the Oro Valley Marketplace and Oro Valley Hospital. Tours are available on select Wednesdays and Sundays from February to April and can be booked online. The town aims to make Oro Valley a prime destination for art lovers and is gathering community feedback to improve future offerings. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Our police don't have "traffic ticket" quotas

The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) does not have quotas for traffic tickets, as quotas could pressure officers to issue unnecessary citations. Officers focus on addressing significant traffic violations to ensure public safety, with the goal of correcting unsafe behavior rather than issuing tickets automatically. (Source: Oro Valley Crimefighter, January 2025)

Rancho Vistoso residents need vote on street parking enforcement  

A new Arizona law may limit the Vistoso Community Association’s ability to enforce street parking rules, but a community-wide vote would allow enforcement to continue. If the association loses this authority, it could lead to safety concerns such as blocked views for drivers and pedestrians, restricted access for emergency vehicles, and reduced property values due to unsightly parked vehicles. Residents are urged to participate in the upcoming vote before the annual meeting on March 27, 2025, to help maintain the community’s safety and aesthetics. (Source: VCA Newsletter-January 2025)

Oro Valley gets high marks

Oro Valley, Arizona, has been recognized as the #1 safest and wealthiest retirement community in the United States. This recognition comes from a November 2024 report by GoBankingRates.com, which highlights factors such as low crime rates, high average retirement income ($52,098), and a livability score of 81. (Report) 

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Bits and Pieces

Tonight, Marana visits CDO in "Tangerine Road Battle" 

Undefeated Marana High School visits Canyon del Oro (CDO) tonight in what is shaping up to be the biggest game of the season for CDO. Led by new head coach Scott McKee, CDO has turned things around after an opening loss, going on a three-game win streak to bring their record to 3-1. What’s remarkable about CDO’s performance this season is that only a handful of seniors from last year’s state championship team have returned and they have a new coach. Go Dorados!

Council approves seeking $18 million in funding for NWRRDS
The Oro Valley Town Council has approved seeking a loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) to fund the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. This project will enable Oro Valley to bring CAP water from the Avra Valley reservoirs directly to the Town. Currently, that water is delivered to Oro Valley through the City of Tucson water system.

The loan will cover some this fiscal year’s expenditures, which are budgeted at $22.3 million. To date, the project has been funded through a combination of impact fees, groundwater preservation fees, and a previous WIFA grant. This approval allows the town to proceed with the loan application process to secure the necessary funding to continue the project.

The total project cost is estimated at $47.6 million, with $10.2 million anticipated to be spent in the final year of the project in fiscal 2026. The loan being sought will only cover some of this fiscal year’s expenditures, ensuring the project can continue without disruption. We anticipate that the final year’s spending will also need to be funded through a future loan.

Town receives two awards for communications and marketing
The Town of Oro Valley received two national awards for its communications and marketing efforts from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). The first award, a Silver Circle Award for Best Use of Humor, was for a social media video promoting the town's shred event using a "Star Wars" spoof. The second award, an Award of Excellence in the Digital Interactive – Media, Radio, Podcast category, was for the *This Is Oro Valley* podcast series, which provides updates on town services and events. Both projects were recognized for their success in increasing community engagement.

Bark in the Park at Steam Pump Ranch tomorrow

"Calling all dog lovers! Join us this Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. for Bark in the Park, a free community event hosted by Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation at Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road. Bring your family, friends, and furry companions for an evening of fun-filled activities dedicated to our canine friends! Enjoy a dog costume contest and plenty of opportunities for your pups to make new friends. Participants register on-site for the dog costume contest, with prizes provided by the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank for the best-dressed dogs." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Today is the last day to register for Community Academy
Today is the last day to register for Oro Valley’s 27th Annual Community Academy. This program offers residents the chance to learn about important topics such as water use, growth, and traffic while helping to shape the town’s future. The academy runs from October 3 to November 4, 2024, with both in-person and online participation options available. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved in planning Oro Valley’s next 10-year action plan. Register by the end of the day at orovalleyaz.gov.

No council general planning liaisons will be assigned this time around
In 2014, two council member liaisons were assigned to the *Your Voice, Our Future* general plan effort, though their exact role was unclear. We asked Mayor Winfield if he planned to do the same for the current *Path Forward* planning cycle. Mayor Winfield told us that no specific council liaisons would be assigned. Instead, all council members can participate in the general plan process as they choose, and updates on the plan’s progress will be presented to the council periodically.

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Bits and Pieces

“Lift Plant” Sewer Line replacement in Valley Vista as County sues developer...residents forced to use porta potties and wash stations!

In February, we wrote about subsidence affecting two homes and the sewage lift station in Valley Vista. This development is built on the edge of Big Wash. Two significant events have occurred since then. First, in April, Pima County sued Pulte Homes and all parties involved in building the property in a “placeholder lawsuit.” The suit reminds Pulte that Pulte is responsible for remedying any defects found in the lift station. Second, a few weeks ago, one of Pulte’s subcontractors, Hunter Construction, began replacing the sagging sewer lines in that section of Valley Vista. On Tuesday, residents in the area of the lift station found porta potties and wash stations in the street. There’s one set of these for every two homes. Residents have been informally told they will have to use these facilities until the project is complete. There is no announced timetable for the project’s completion.

FOPRG to focus on water conservation
Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) are dedicated to enhancing the Pusch Ridge Golf Course while addressing water usage concerns. Over the past few years, the course has grown in popularity, with rounds played increasing significantly from 3,875 in 2019-2020 to an anticipated 19,000 in 2023-2024. Despite this success, the use of potable water remains a challenge.

To tackle this, FOPRG has introduced a new mission focusing on water advocacy. They aim to educate the community on water-saving techniques through newsletters featuring tips, strategies, and events. Additionally, they plan to collaborate with the Town and Indigo to implement water conservation measures, such as reducing turf, using drought-resistant grass, and improving water usage audits. This dual approach seeks to balance the recreational benefits of the golf course with sustainable water management practices. (Source: FOPRG Newsletter)

Red Lobster is no more

Red Lobster closed its Oro Valley location earlier this month. The chain has been facing significant financial challenges nationally, including high lease and labor costs, and substantial losses from promotions such as the expanded all-you-can-eat shrimp deal. Earlier this month they filed for bankruptcy. The company plans to use the bankruptcy proceedings to restructure its finances, optimize its real estate footprint, and pursue a sale of its assets. Despite these challenges, Red Lobster intends to keep some of its locations open and operational during the restructuring process.

Oro Valley Receives Federal Grant for Stormwater Improvements
The Town of Oro Valley's Stormwater Utility has secured $210,990.75 in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 through the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (AZDEMA) and FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This grant will enable essential upgrades to the box culvert outlet structure on Sierra Wash at Via Mandarina, addressing localized erosion concerns and enhancing community safety and infrastructure resilience.

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins emphasized that the funding will maximize the utility of Stormwater Utility Fee dollars, aiding the finalization of the fiscal year budget. The project, set for completion within FY 2024/2025, will proceed following Town Council endorsement. The federal grant, complemented by a $70,330.25 local match from the Stormwater Utility Fee, highlights Oro Valley's commitment to infrastructure maintenance and proactive risk mitigation. This grant marks the second DEMA allocation for Sierra Wash improvements, following previous funding in 2019. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Courts Remodeling Project on Time… and potentially under budget
Judge Hazel, the presiding magistrate of the Oro Valley Court system, provided an update on the remodeling of the Town court at the TMRB study session last month. Last year, LOVE reported on the need for this remodeling. Nothing has changed regarding that need since then. "We are now entering the construction phase. Phase one includes the attorney meeting room and the jury assembly room. Everything is going as planned, and a year from now, everything will be completed," Judge Hazel stated during a recent Courts Study Session.

Hazel emphasized being a steward of the town’s investment. Total bids for the project came in a million dollars less than planned. "That doesn’t mean it’s going to come in that way. That’s why we have to be vigilant throughout the whole process," she cautioned during the Courts Study Session. (TMRB Council Study Session, May 9, 2024)

Timetable for the Oro Valley Marketplace revisioning “Revealed’
Town staff projects that the hotel to be built at Oro Valley Marketplace will go online in February 2026. They anticipate that the Tangerine Road apartments will be available for occupancy in May 2027, and the Oracle Road apartments will be available for occupancy in May 2029. (TMRB Study Session May , 2024)

Enjoy Disc Golf at Pusch Ridge Course
The town is offering disc golf at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course from 7am to 7pm until September 22.

Bits and Pieces

Suicide death at In-N-Out Burger Last Night

Sad but true. "Last night OVPD handled a death investigation which turned out to be an apparent suicide. The bomb squad was requested as a precaution for a package that was located with the subject. There was nothing in the package of concern once it was checked." (Source: OVPD information office)

Council focuses Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Plan on revegetation and improving pond area 

Last week, the town council discussed the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve draft master plan in study session. George Radnovich, a consultant from Sites Southwest, discussed changes in the master plan, survey results, proposed projects, costing, and phasing. The council reached consensus on project priorities and direction, designating funds for cart path repairs, focusing on safety signage, and enhancing the visual appeal of the pond area without reintroducing water features. The council will discuss the plan at the April 7th council meeting. (Source: Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Study Session of March 20, 2024

Save The Dates for Oro Valley’s 50th Birthday Celebration

Mark your calendar for the following dates: 

• April 6: Parade from Ironwood High School to Library starts at 9am 
• April 13: 50th Celebration at Kreigh Park
• April 27: 50 Trees for 50 Years community tree planting at various parks, starts at 9am

In addition to these exciting opportunities, Oro Valley also invites you to explore the special features available on the OV 50th web page. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

"Eggstravaganza" Saturday

"The Oro Valley Easter Eggstravaganza is an annual egg hunt that includes jumping castles, crafts, games, food trucks and other fun activities! Join us for a free, family-friendly event at James D. Kriegh Park with food trucks, arts and crafts, games and the Easter bunny! Click here to see egg hunt times and the event map." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Weekly Email)

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