28% Decrease in Shootings Amid Historic Funding to Combat Gun Violence
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a substantial 28% decline in shooting incidents across New York communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, alongside nearly $36 million in new funding for local law enforcement. This announcement underscores the state’s commitment to reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety.
The reduction in shootings reflects 218 incidents with injuries from January to May 2024, down from 303 incidents during the same period in 2023. This marks the second consecutive year of record-level funding for the GIVE initiative, which supports 28 police departments across 21 counties outside New York City.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” Governor Hochul stated. “We’ve brought gun violence down to historic lows – and we’re giving local law enforcement agencies more of the resources needed to keep tackling crime throughout every corner of our state.”
The GIVE initiative employs evidence-based strategies to reduce shootings and save lives. In addition to the GIVE communities, the New York City Police Department reported fewer shooting incidents and victims through June 9, 2024. The New York State Police also seized 973 guns through May 2024, surpassing annual seizure numbers from previous years.
Further data indicates a broader decrease in crime across New York State. Index crimes, including violent crimes like murder and rape, as well as property crimes such as burglary and larceny, saw a 10% reduction in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The GIVE grant cycle, running from July 2024 through June 2025, funds personnel, overtime, equipment, and technology for law enforcement agencies. This year, Governor Hochul secured nearly $160 million in additional aid to support law enforcement and community-based organizations, enhancing prosecution, discovery, and pretrial services.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado praised the collaborative efforts, stating, “These positive trends are a testament to the collective work done by our GIVE partner agencies, SNUG Street Outreach programs, and other community-based organizations. Enforcement alone doesn’t make neighborhoods safer; we must embrace services that address the needs of individuals and families disproportionately affected by gun violence.”
The FY 2025 Enacted Budget includes $347 million to address gun violence and improve public safety. This comprehensive plan covers various aspects, including $80 million for discovery reform and pretrial procedure changes and $59.5 million for aid to prosecution across the state’s 62 district attorneys’ offices.
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James acknowledged the significant impact of removing illegal guns from communities, attributing the decline in gun violence to rigorous enforcement and substantial state support.
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