SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WBNG) — State officials say local police partnerships are successfully keeping neighborhoods safe, as newly released data shows a steady decline in major crimes.
On Thursday, Sept. 3, Governor Kathy Hochul shared updates regarding ongoing crime and gun violence reductions across the state during the first five months of 2026.
Statewide, 28 police departments participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative reported a 7% drop in index crimes and a 48% decline in murders.
Several departments across New York reported double-digit decreases in overall crime and violent offenses.
“Public safety has been my top priority since taking office, and we continue to deliver measurable results with record-low crime across New York,” said Hochul. “We’ve invested nearly $4 billion in public safety and are seeing historic lows in shootings, murders and major crime because of these investments and the dedicated law enforcement officers who show up every day to keep their communities safe.”
In Binghamton, overall crime fell 9% from 2025 to 2026, continuing a long-term downward trend that has seen violent crime drop 24% since 2017. Property theft in the city also decreased 14% over the past year.
Despite the drop in overall crime, Binghamton experienced a 14% increase in violent crime over the last year, driven by a 51% rise in aggravated assaults. On the other hand, the number of murders in the city fell from five to one.
Meanwhile, Ithaca saw a slight 2% rise in overall crime from 2025 to 2026, with property theft increasing 3% over the year. However, the city achieved a 17% reduction in violent crime, marking a 44% drop since 2017.
Additionally, New York City marked historic safety milestones, experiencing its safest summer on record with major reductions in shootings, victims and homicides, according to officials from the governor’s office.
“These sustained declines across GIVE communities mean fewer lives lost, fewer people victimized and more New Yorkers feeling secure in their neighborhoods,” said Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado. “This progress reflects the tireless work of our local partners and Governor Hochul’s continued investment in the proven strategies, technology and training they need to address crime.”
Visit Governor Hochul’s website to see more details and statistics on the GIVE Agencies data.
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