TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Trenton saw a big drop in crime in 2022. The city's homicide total dropped to 23 — that’s a 45% reduction from the year before.
Mayor Reed Gusciora says the entire city deserves credit.
“Well this was a concerted effort by all 10 departments of the city. We asked them all to engage in crime watch. For instance, if a water meter needed to be repaired, and there was something out there, we asked them to remain vigilant. So we have all departments on deck to reduce crime.”
Sexual assaults, theft and robbery were also down about 20% from the year before. And Trenton police recovered 354 illegal guns.
And while any number above zero is unacceptable, Gusciora says they’ve implemented a number of policies and programs aimed at crime reduction.
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“And it’s all of the above that seems to be working. Just getting the word out, working with the churches, the schools. And while we can’t ever claim mission accomplished, at least we can be satisfied that we are having an impact on the crime rates.”
Gusciora says he’s been working closely with mayors and elected officials in other cities, including Camden and Philadelphia, to share best practices for improving public safety.
“You can’t arrest your way out of crime. You have to really change the hearts and minds of some of the young people out there and give them opportunity and hope.”
Gusciora says he will continue to listen to ideas from anyone and everyone on how to do even better this year.