Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces Shootings Down 60 Percent Since 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that shooting incidents with injury in the 28 communities that participate in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative have dropped 60 percent since she took office in 2021, with the lowest number of incidents with injury reported for the first 11 months of the year since the state began tracking this data in 2006. New statistics reported to the State Division of Criminal Justice Services by those police departments also show 81 fewer shootings and 142 fewer people shot from January to November 2025 as compared to the same time last year. Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse continue to lead the way with double-digit declines in gun violence. Governor Hochul's investment of more than $3 billion in public safety - including doubling the annual funding to combat gun violence through GIVE and expanding the communities eligible for funding through the initiative - has contributed to these dramatic reductions in gun violence.

"When I came into office, gun violence was surging. Thanks to our record investments in public safety and law enforcement, we are seeing major progress in our ongoing mission to eradicate gun violence from our communities," Governor Hochul said. "By partnering with more than two dozen police agencies, we are driving down gun crimes to record lows - and I remain laser focused on doing everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe."

Governor Hochul announced record-low shooting data with local elected officials and law enforcement executives from the Albany Police Department, which experienced the largest reductions of any GIVE jurisdiction. Albany saw a 47 percent drop in shooting incidents with injury and a 44 percent decrease in shooting victims during the first 11 months of this year compared to 2024.

The 28 police departments participating in GIVE reported 477 shooting incidents with injury during January through November 2025, a 15 percent drop compared to the 558 incidents reported during the same period last year. The number of people shot decreased by 21 percent, 547 compared to 689, and there were 29 fewer gun violence-related deaths, 87 compared to 116, during the same time frame.

The GIVE initiative currently provides $36 million in State funding for equipment, overtime, and personnel, as well as comprehensive, focused training and technical assistance, to participating police departments and their county law enforcement partners: district attorneys' offices, probation departments and sheriffs' offices. These police departments are on the front lines of fighting gun violence outside of New York City and account for roughly 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms and 85 percent of all violent crime reported outside the five boroughs.

Governor Hochul also highlighted the work of the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, one of 11 in a unique, statewide network supported by DCJS in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. The center, located at Albany Police Headquarters, is currently staffed by crime analysts, police and probation officers, and investigators from 10 local, state and county law enforcement agencies from across the region. Through October, the center had handled 13,198 requests for service that have allowed police and prosecutors to more effectively solve, reduce and prevent crime. The center serves agencies from 11 counties - Albany, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Schoharie, Warren and Washington - and any agency upon request.

"By partnering with more than two dozen police agencies, we are driving down gun crimes to record lows - and I remain laser focused on doing everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe."

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner RossanaRosado said, "Data-driven strategies, targeted investments, and strong partnerships are driving real progress across New York. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, the steady gains we're seeing in Albany and beyond demonstrate the value of equipping law enforcement and community partners with the resources they need to keep people safe."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "I want to offer my gratitude to Governor Hochul for the resources provided to help the State Police focus on this public safety mission. The numbers show that reducing gun violence is no small matter. They are a testament to the immense support and dedication of law enforcement to disrupt the flow of illegal guns and to locate and mitigate their source of supply. The State Police remains committed to leveraging partnerships with our law enforcement partners to continue the reduction of gun violence in New York State."

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "This year, Albany experienced the largest drop in gun violence of any GIVE jurisdiction in New York State with a 47 percent drop in shooting incidents with injury and a 44 percent decrease in shooting victims. That is real lives saved, neighborhoods beginning to heal, and a positive step in the right direction for the Capital Region. When we implement community-based solutions with organizations like SNUG and partner with local law enforcement, we address the root causes of gun violence while taking illegal guns off the streets, which ultimately makes our communities safer. Where there is progress, however, there remains work to be done, and I will continue to aggressively address the epidemic of gun violence with my colleagues in the State Legislature and Governor Hochul. Every resident in every neighborhood across our Capital City deserves to feel safe in their communities and on their streets and today represents an important step forward in the fight against gun violence here in our Capital Region."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "The ongoing investments in technology, recruitment, and evidence-based programs like GIVE are delivering measurable results. Communities across the Capital Region are witnessing significantly fewer shootings, fewer victims, and safer neighborhoods because we are giving law enforcement the tools and training they need to prevent violence before it occurs. I appreciate Governor Hochul's support for these efforts, and I will continue championing policies and resources in the State Legislature that help keep our families and communities safe."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "Today's announcement of the significant two-digit drop in shooting incidents over the past year makes it clear that when we invest in our communities, we see real improvements in public safety. With the GIVE initiative having the greatest impact here in Albany, Governor Hochul's steadfast support of this program has helped make my constituents in the 106th Assembly District that much safer. The reported 47 percent decrease in shooting incidents marks encouraging headway in our efforts toward preventing gun violence and saving people's lives. I look forward to the continued growth of this program as we work to ensure the safety of Albany residents and New Yorkers across the state."

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "I want to thank and applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and DCJS for their continued investments in public safety in both the City of Albany and across the State of New York. I have said it many times before, but it bears repeating: this Governor isn't just talk, but action. The millions of dollars this Governor has invested in public safety allows cities like Albany to wisely make strategic choices to get resources on the ground, establish connections with our neighbors, and allow alternative approaches to focusing on keeping our resident safe. One shooting is one too many, but it's important to make it clear: over the last year, shooting incidents and shooting victims are down nearly 50% compared to last year. And since 2021, the reduction in gun violence is even more stark - shooting incidents are down 58% and shooting victims are down 62%. Today's announcement to further enhance the Governor's investment in public safety is something celebrated by every resident in the City of Albany and I'm confident it will continue to build on the foundation my administration has helped enhance over the last 12 years. Thank you, Governor Hochul!"

Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, "Buffalo is seeing real progress, with shooting incidents down nearly 20 percent compared to last year. I want to commend Governor Hochul for her leadership and continued investment in public safety, and I also want to thank Police Commissioner Alphonso Wright and his team for their daily work to keep our community safe. Our Foot Patrol Integration Unit, launched earlier this year, is already proving to be a success for both residents and officers. And beyond that, we're making important strides through our Office of Gun Violence Prevention. I want to commend the leadership and partnership of Adrienne Garr, our first-ever executive director, who is strengthening this work every day to reduce gun violence. We're encouraged by this momentum and remain committed to building a safer Buffalo for everyone."

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, "The GIVE Program has played an instrumental role in driving the reductions in gun violence we continue to see in Rochester. I am deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued investments in this program, which is helping us make our streets safer and bring peace to our neighborhoods."

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, "With Governor Hochul and New York State as our strong partners, the Syracuse community is experiencing sustained reductions in gun violence. In addition to significant declines over the past year, shootings with injuries are down more than 54% compared to both the five-year and ten-year averages. GIVE delivers critical funding to the Syracuse Police Department to go after guns and get violent criminals off our streets."

Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said, "Thank you to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to safer streets and for the investments that are driving real reductions in gun violence across New York State. The continued decline in shootings, including the progress we're seeing here in Poughkeepsie, shows that targeted strategies like GIVE are making a real difference. We are grateful for the state's ongoing support and partnership as we work to keep our community safe and build a stronger future for our residents."

Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs said, "Here in Hempstead, we know how much our families depend on safe streets, and GIVE has helped us make real progress block by block. Governor Hochul's continued investment means our police officers have stronger tools, technology and partnerships to address gun violence in the places that need it most. We're committed to building on this momentum so every resident from Terrace Avenue to Jackson Street can feel the difference in their daily lives."

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, "Governor Hochul's continued investment in the GIVE initiative is yielding strong results in Mount Vernon. Shooting incidents with injury are down 38%, victims down 17%, and gun-related deaths reduced by half from last year. These gains place Mount Vernon among the top-performing GIVE jurisdictions statewide. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her steadfast partnership in strengthening public safety in our city."

Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said, "The significant decrease in shooting incidents and shooting victims reflects the dedication of our officers, partners, local leaders, and community working together for a safer city. I also want to thank Governor Hochul for providing essential resources and support to our officers and partners, helping them to continue driving these numbers down and strengthening public safety".

Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association President Chief Brian Paladino said, "Gun violence can only be stopped with a community partnership between the police department and community members. The GIVE Program allows these relationships to blossom as communities get behind the police department and help us get guns off the street. The result of which is a safer community and getting guns out of the hands of criminals who are detrimental to the future of the community. I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support for programs that help address public safety."

In addition to significant decreases in gun violence in Albany, Governor Hochul's sustained investment in GIVE funding has contributed double-digit decreases in shooting incidents with injury in Buffalo (18 percent) and Syracuse (13 percent), during the first 11 months of this year compared to 2024. These police departments participating in GIVE also reported declines in shooting incidents with injury during the same timeframe:

• Village of Hempstead Police Department
• Mount Vernon Police Department
• Nassau County Police Department
• Niagara Falls Police Department
• Poughkeepsie Police Department
• Rochester Police Department
• Troy Police Department
• Utica Police Department

An interactive dashboard featuring current-year and historical data reported by each of the 28 police departments is available on the DCJS statistics page.

New York City also experienced notable declines. Through Dec. 7, the NYPD reporteda 23 percent decrease in shootings (662 vs. 862) and a 22 percent drop in shooting victims (823 vs. 1,048) compared to the same period in 2024.

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced that she secured record-level funding for GIVE for the third consecutive year: $36.38 million, with $36 million awarded and the remainder reserved for emerging needs identified by participating agencies, which are required to use evidence-based strategies to drive down shootings and combat violent crime. See the breakdown of funding awarded to GIVE partners in 21 counties outside of New York City for the contract period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Contact the Governor's Press Office