Rochester reports 39% drop in gun violence: What we know

Rochester has reported a 39% decrease in shootings resulting in injuries so far, compared to the seven-month period of 2023 from January to August.

With a 28% decline statewide, Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “Our strategies to combat gun violence are proving effective, but our work is never over – we will continue to invest, innovate and work with law enforcement to unite New York “to make everyone a safer place.”

According to New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, Rochester has reported 111 shootings resulting in injuries this year, compared to 181 in the seven-month period last year. Injury shootings are the number of incidents in which one or more people were injured or killed by a bullet. The Rochester Police Department (RPD) Open Data Portal reports similar metrics.

This year’s decline is consistent with the trend of declining gun violence over the past three years, after a sharp peak between 2020 and 2021.

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice, the GIVE Initiative provides state funding to local law enforcement agencies that pursue evidence-based strategies to combat gun violence, including hot spot policing, targeted deterrence, street outreach, and crime prevention through environmental design.

With Monroe County receiving over $6 million in grants next year, RPD has committed half of GIVE to continue combating shootings in the city. In 2022, Rochester ranked 13th among cities with the highest rate of firearm homicides per 100,000 residents.

With a continued decline in annual incidents, the GIVE initiative has established itself as a driving force in the larger effort to reduce overall gun violence in Rochester.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans stated, “Whether through sensible gun laws, unprecedented investments in children and families, or accelerating crime-fighting initiatives and technologies, [Governor Hochul’s] The determination to end violent crime and bring peace to our communities was resolute, determined and resourceful in every way.”