Crime Plummets in Syracuse as Police Chief Credits Snowball Effect

Decline in Crime in Syracuse: A New Approach to Public Safety

Syracuse, N.Y. — Crime in Syracuse has seen a significant decline this year compared to 2024 and the previous five years. This trend aligns with national reductions in urban crime, but local efforts have played a crucial role in achieving these results. Chief Joe Cecile of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) attributes the drop in violent crime to changes in policing strategies and community engagement.

The reduction in gun violence, which began in 2023, has allowed officers to shift their focus from reactive measures to proactive community work. “If we’re not chasing shots fired all over the city, it gives officers the time to be proactive and address other concerns,” Cecile explained.

Violent crime in Syracuse has been decreasing for the past two and a half years. However, property crime had been on the rise until 2025. Through August 11, property crimes such as burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts have dropped by 29% annually, which is also 7% lower than the five-year average. Total crimes in the city are down 27%, including an 18% decrease in violent offenses.

Gun-related injuries and deaths have also declined significantly. As of August 11, there were 44 people injured or killed by guns this year, far below the five-year average of 88 and the 10-year average of 81. The number of total shots fired calls has decreased by 22% from the previous year.

Community-Based Strategies and Credible Messengers

A major factor behind the decline in gun violence is the work of the Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence, launched in 2022. This initiative has created a network of about 25 “credible messengers” — neighborhood residents who build relationships with young people involved in or at risk of becoming involved in violent crime.

These messengers often have personal histories with the criminal justice system but must maintain three to five years without incidents to qualify for the role. They collaborate with nonprofits to provide mentoring, job training, and mental health services. Their role is especially critical after shootings, where they work to prevent retaliatory acts of violence.

Lateef Johnson-Kinsey, who leads the office, emphasized the importance of direct engagement with at-risk youth. After a fatal shooting in June, his team worked closely with the community to show support and encourage dialogue. “We went right out there and met the players, guys from that area, and talked to them,” he said.

Despite some challenges in getting gang members to participate in job training and therapy programs, Johnson-Kinsey’s approach has had a measurable impact. “The stuff he’s doing behind the scenes with getting people to put the guns down, it is working,” said Chief Cecile.

Collaboration and Proactive Policing

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh praised Johnson-Kinsey for bringing together various organizations that had previously operated in isolation. “Lateef has brought a level of organization to community violence intervention that simply never existed,” Walsh said.

Chief Cecile highlighted the shift in police operations, including a new initiative requiring officers to walk their beats instead of patrolling in vehicles. Data is used to identify hotspots, and officers are encouraged to engage with business owners and residents during these walks.

This proactive approach has helped officers stay ahead of potential issues before they escalate. “These captains are some of the best I’ve ever seen in my 40-year career at motivating officers to be proactive,” Cecile said.

National Trends and Local Success

While crime trends in Syracuse are not unique nationally, the city’s rate of decline in multiple categories is outpacing the nation. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, homicides were down 17% nationally but 33% in Syracuse. Aggravated assaults dropped 10% nationwide but 22% in Syracuse. Motor vehicle theft was 25% lower nationally but 52% lower in Syracuse.

Walsh and Cecile emphasize that while progress is being made, continued effort is essential. “One murder in this city is one too many,” Walsh said. He also called for federal support to sustain successful crime reduction initiatives, rather than deploying troops to cities without clear emergencies.

Investments from federal and state governments have contributed to the success of these programs. “Resources matter,” Walsh said. “We’re seeing the result of that.”