Governor Kathy Hochul announces 28% reduction in shootings in New York’s GIVE initiative areas
According to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, shootings dropped by 28% in 2024 compared to 2023. She credited the declining numbers to the hard work of police departments, particularly highlighting Long Island, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Yonkers, which took major strides in reducing gun violence.
GIVE initiative saw significant decreases in shootings
The 28% number comes courtesy of 28 local police departments in localities outside of New York City participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. These departments are spread across 21 counties.
Suburban areas see significant declines in shootings
Syracuse recorded a 26% drop, Rochester and Suffolk County both fell 39%, Nassau County saw 40%, Utica dropped 47%, and Yonkers led with a stunning 56% decrease.
Hochul attributes reduction to sustained administration investment
Governor Hochul acknowledged that sustained investment from her administration fueled the reduction in gun violence in these communities. She stated that sustained investment is key to continues progress.
Increased focus on justice and public safety
Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, expressed appreciation for the drop in shootings, however, he also emphasized that they cannot rest on their laurels and must continue the work to address the rising crime rates.
Police reform takes a step forward
Hochul highlighted crime rates in New York and stressed that the efforts should continue. The decrease comes as the FBI also published violent crime figures, nationally and in New York for 2023 and a decrease in the first quarter of 2024
Conveniently
Hochul, stated that changing public perception and addressing crime rates also plays a significant role and there is still much to achieve.
Faqs
What exactly is the GIVE Initiative?
ANSWER: The GIVE initiative stands for Gun-Involved Violence Elimination, which is a 28 local police department participatory program that involves strategies for tackling gun violence throughout New York.
What were some regions that saw significant decline?
ANSWER: Regions such as Syracuse, Rochester, Sufflok County, and the Yonkers have seen significant declines of in shootings.
What did Governor Kathy Hochul attribute the decline to?
ANSWER: She attributing the decline in GIVE initiative areas specifically stating that sustained investment fueled these efforts.
What does the police officials say about the data?
ANSWER: Police officials in counties like Delaware expressed both thankfulness for the declining incidents and cautioning about how crime rates still haven’t been eradicated
Do These numbers account for Non-crime related shootings such as accidental discharge or Justified homicide?
ANSWER: NO according to the data release statements, the statistics in report do not account for cases such as accidental dischare or justified homicides
