Significant Reduction in Shootings Across New York, with Nearly $350 Million Invested in Gun Violence Prevention
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday, August 20, that there has been a 29% reduction in shooting incidents with injuries across New York State through July 2024, compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, Rochester has seen a 35% decrease in such incidents.
According to Hochul, the decline, as reported by police departments involved in the state's Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, highlights significant reductions in gun violence across the 28 communities served by the program.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” said Governor Hochul. “Our comprehensive efforts to reduce gun violence are showing results, and I am committed to ensuring safe communities throughout our state.”
Between January 1 and July 31, 2024, there were 351 shooting incidents with injuries, down from 497 during the same period in 2023. The GIVE initiative supports 28 police departments across 21 counties, focusing on areas outside of New York City where the majority of the state's population resides.
Key cities reporting significant reductions in shootings include:
Rochester: 35% decrease
Syracuse: 32% decrease
Yonkers: 57% decrease
Nassau County: 56% decrease
Suffolk County: 50% decrease
Additionally, there was a 21% reduction in gun violence fatalities in GIVE communities, with 70 individuals killed between January 1 and July 31, 2024, compared to 89 during the same period last year.
The New York City Police Department also reported an 11% decline in shootings, with 530 incidents through July 2024, down from 595 in 2023.
Governor Hochul's FY25 Enacted Budget secured $347 million to fund a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing gun violence, reducing crime, and enhancing public safety. Key investments include:
$36 million for the GIVE initiative: This funding supports evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence, such as Problem-Oriented Policing, Hot-Spots Policing, and Street Outreach.
$21 million for the SNUG Street Outreach program: This initiative uses a public health approach to address gun violence, employing nearly 200 outreach workers, social workers, and case managers in 14 communities.
$18 million for Crime Analysis Centers: These centers, unique to New York, analyze and distribute information to local law enforcement agencies, aiding in crime prevention and resolution.
Up to $20 million for Project RISE: This program funds community-led responses to gun violence, supporting academic, employment, mentoring, and violence prevention services.
The 2024 data for each of the 28 police departments participating in the GIVE initiative is available on the state Division of Criminal Justice Services website at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov.
Comments