In St. Johns County, Florida, a remarkable milestone has been reached—no criminal homicides occurred in 2025. Sheriff Rob Hardwick highlights this rare achievement, noting its significance for one of the nation’s most rapidly expanding counties.

Despite a population exceeding 330,000, violent crimes saw a slight decline last year. However, Sheriff Hardwick advises against complacency, emphasizing that the absence of serious crimes does not guarantee they will not occur.

“Crime can strike unexpectedly, often emerging from a single adverse event,” warned Hardwick. “Sometimes, these situations are beyond our control, no matter how prepared we are.”

Hardwick attributes this unprecedented year of zero homicides to a blend of advanced policing technologies, strategic county financial support, and robust community engagement.

He points to improved internet record systems, better equipment, and increased pay and benefits for deputies investments approved by county commissioners as essential to retaining experienced officers.

“I honestly go back again to our commissioners approving our budget and allowing me to invest in technology and allowing me to invest in our agency members and their equipment,” Hardwick said.

He said nearly 80 percent of the sheriff’s office budget goes toward personnel costs, including salaries and benefits. Hardwick said staying competitive is critical, especially as neighboring counties also recruit law enforcement officers.

“We have to pay our men and women. We have to provide the benefits and the salary where they want to stay here,” he said. “Where we invest in them, and they want to invest in their community.”

While the county recorded zero criminal homicides in 2025, there were two deadly officer-involved shootings during the year. Hardwick emphasized that those cases are not included in the homicide total because they were ruled justified uses of force.

“We did kill two last year, which is technically homicide,” Hardwick said. 

Both cases were investigated and determined to be legally justified, according to the sheriff’s office.

While violent crime declined slightly, Hardwick said other troubling trends remain.

Domestic violence cases and restraining order violations are up. The sheriff also said suicides and deadly overdoses continue to concern him.

“I take the number with zero homicides and say, okay, great, let’s move forward now,” Hardwick said. “How do we get better in our community at saving people during a crisis, when they’re in crisis mode?”

Hardwick said the sheriff’s office is increasing its focus on mental health and substance abuse support, calling it a critical next step in preventing violence before it escalates.

At the same time, he said deputies will continue what he describes as “professionally aggressive policing,” a balance of proactive enforcement, transparency, and community engagement.

“It goes back to the community believing in us, not being afraid to call when something suspicious occurs,” Hardwick said. “If they see something, they say something, and they let us do our job.”

As St. Johns County continues to grow, Hardwick said maintaining public safety will require continued investment, trust, and cooperation between law enforcement and the people they serve.