Dubuque Sees Lowest Shots-Fired Incidents Since 2018; ’26 Off to Rough Start

It always seems that with any good news, comes bad news of the same variety. For instance, today it was reported that 2025 had the lowest recorded "shots-fired" incidents in Dubuque since 2018. Unfortunately, that announcement came off the heels of an officer involved incident that saw two men die of gunshot wounds.

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According to the Dubuque Police Department, six incidents involving shots fired with criminal intent were reported within city limits in 2025. That total is lower than each of the previous six years and well below the department’s five-year average of 12.8 incidents annually. The data, which was put together by the Telegraph Herald, does not include any accidental discharges or suicides.

Police officials say the year-to-year numbers tend to vary, but the 2025 decrease is quite significant when compared to 2024's total of 17. Additionally, the incidents reported last year were described as isolated and targeted rather than random acts of violence. Charges were filed and closed in each case, with one investigation still ongoing.

City leaders and law enforcement officials have credited community-oriented policing, proactive enforcement, and investigative technology for helping reduce violent crimes. Officials have also noted the department’s high case-closure rate, saying offenders in Dubuque are likely to be identified and held accountable. Officials continue to point to the traffic cameras and other tools which they say play a big role in both deterrence and investigations.

The release of the 2025 data comes as city officials prepare to look ahead. On Tuesday, January 14th, the Dubuque Civil Service Commission is scheduled to receive Fire and Police Department reports and consider certifications for multiple leadership positions within both departments, including police lieutenant, corporal, captain and assistant police chief. That meeting happens at 4:15 PM.

Still, the optimism surrounding last year’s numbers is tempered by a violent start to 2026. A recent officer-involved shooting downtown resulted in two deaths and remains under investigation by state and local authorities. Even so, officials say the long-term goal remains unchanged: to build on progress, strengthen leadership, and maintain a focus on prevention as Dubuque moves forward.