The first comprehensive overview of crime trends across New York State for 2023 showed decreases in each of the four violent crime categories: murder (-27 percent), rape (-16 percent), robbery (-5 percent) and aggravated assault (-4 percent). The data used was reported by police departments and sheriff’s offices in 57 counties.
There was a 6 percent decrease in violent crime outside of New York City during first six months of this year as compared to the first half of 2022. There was progress in New York City, with five of the seven serious crime categories tracked by the New York City Police Department in its weekly CompStat report declining. The most significant decreases in the five boroughs were reported in the number of reported murders (-10 percent), and rapes and burglaries (-10 percent each).
Governor Kathy Hochul outlined crime trends in Albany Thursday at the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police’s Leadership Summit, during which she also detailed significant progress in the fight against gun violence and the record-level of public safety funding included in the state’s FY24 budget.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my administration’s top priority. These trends are proof positive that our smart, strategic investments and strong local, state and federal partnerships are making a difference in neighborhoods and communities across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations have the funding, resources and support they need to continue driving down crime to pre-pandemic, all-time lows.”
In the 57 counties outside of New York City, violent crimes involving a firearm decreased significantly in the first half of the year, with 397 fewer victims (2,046 vs. 2,443 or -16 percent) when compared to January through June 2022. In addition to compiling statewide crime data, the State Division of Criminal Justice Services tracks gun violence-specific metrics for police departments that receive funding, training and technical support through the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative.
GIVE police departments reported a 25 percent reduction (686 vs. 914) in shooting incidents with injury and 33 percent decrease in the number of individuals killed (121 vs. 181) as of October 29, 2023, compared to the same timeframe last year. Incidents of gun violence also declined in New York City, with the NYPD reporting double-digit decreases in the number of shooting incidents and individuals shot through November 5, 2023: a 26 percent reduction in shooting incidents (849 vs. 1,144) and 391 fewer individuals injured by gunfire (999 vs. 1,390 or -28 percent).
New York State continues to collect and make public index crime data as defined by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, even though the FBI has transitioned to a new data collection system. The state Division of Criminal Justice Services – the agency responsible for collecting and compiling reported crime and other criminal justice data – implemented this practice so it could continue to monitor crime trends over time, provide that data to the public and policymakers and identify any discrepancies in reporting that may occur as agencies transition to the new federal reporting system.
