Violent crime stats down from 2021 'but more to go'

Numbers and statistics don't lie.

In the past five years, reports of violent crimes has dropped dramatically not only in Buffalo and Erie County, but across New York state and law enforcement officials are giving credit to Gov. Kathy Hochul and some of the crime prevention initiatives she has pushed for since taking office.'

"But, I'm not taking anything for granted," Hochul said while in Buffalo Monday morning.

Since 2021, Hochul has invested more than $3 billion in crime prevention and public safety initiatives including $352 million on programs that have helped reduce gun-related violence.

Consider:

* Reports of shootings with injuries has dropped 84% in the past five years including a 57% decrease from last year to this year.

* Police reports of shooting-related incidents in Buffalo is off 37%, according to Mayor Sean Ryan.

"All the trends are headed in the right direction," Ryan said.

* Erie County reported 39 homicides last year - the lowest total since 1984.

* To date (April 20), last year Erie County had reported 13 homicides while this year, just 7 have been reported.

"The trends are extraordinary," Hochul said. "Reducing crime will always be a priority."

Hochul said she will continue to push for funding for even more crime prevention initiatives.

Funding aside, Hochul did says crime fighting partnerships between the state and local law enforcement officials also played a role in the drop of reported violent crimes.

"We couldn't be where we are without support from local agencies," Hochul said.