Yonkers, NY – Mayor Mike Spano and Police Commissioner Charles Gardner, with members of the Yonkers City Council and Yonkers Police executives, were proud to announce the City of Yonkers crime statistics for calendar year 2018 at a press conference held in City Hall earlier today.

The Yonkers Police strategy for reducing crime focuses Department resources on five priority areas: guns, gangs, drugs, pattern crimes, and the search for wanted persons. Through extensive intelligence gathering and crime analysis, the Yonkers Police is able to identify the small number of people who commit the majority of the City’s most serious crime. Simultaneously, the Department deploys numerous community outreach programs and initiatives in an effort to build trust and cooperation with the community and residents we serve. This strategy has produced significant results:

·         2018 is the safest year on record for the City of Yonkers

·         The City of Yonkers is the #1 safest city in the United States as compared to similarly sized cities

·         The City of Yonkers is the #1 safest large city in the State of New York

Specifically for 2018 vs 2017:

·         Part 1 Crimes are down 13.1% (FBI Uniformed Crime Reporting)

o   Murders are down 89%

o   Rapes are down 14%

o   Robberies are down 22%

o   Felony Assaults are down 35%

o   Burglaries are down 25%

o   Larcenies are down 10%

o   Motor Vehicle Thefts are down 15%

·         All four Precincts experienced double-digit reductions in crime

·         Shooting incident are down 46%

·         2018 saw only 1 murder, a historic first time low for the City

Compared to the start of Mayor Spano’s administration:

·         Part 1 Crimes are down 42.4% (FBI Uniformed Crime Reporting)

·         Murders are down 86%

·         Robberies are down 54%

·         Burglaries are down 64%

Additionally, as a result of this precision policing strategy, since 2011:

·         Arrests have been reduced by 35%

·         Public order arrests (disorderly conduct, obstruction, etc.) have been reduced over 50%

·         Civilian complaints against Police Officers are down 46%

·         Civilian excessive-force complaints against Police Officers are down 84%

“These outstanding statistics are attributed to the new, innovative approach taken by our Yonkers Police Department towards public safety,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “I applaud the good work and synergy created between our community and police officers so that Yonkers continues to be a great place to live, work and play.”

Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated, “We are very fortunate here in Yonkers because we have a Mayor and City Government that steadfastly supports our Police Department and ensures we have the resources necessary to provide the highest level of service to our residents; and our success is the direct the result of the hardworking, dedicated men & women of this Department who are out there on our streets every day – putting themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve the people of this great City.”

FBI Uniformed Crime Reporting statistics may be located herehttps://www.ucrdatatool.gov