Gun violence has remained a serious issue in many parts of New York, but programs like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative have been working hard to reduce crime in cities like Albany, Schenectady, and Troy.
The latest report from the Division of Criminal Justice Services shows both progress and ongoing challenges in these areas. In this article, we’ll break down the summer 2024 gun violence stats for these cities, compare them to last year, and discuss what the numbers mean for the community.
What is the GIVE Program?
The GIVE program is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence. It offers funding to police departments, district attorney’s offices, and probation departments in 21 counties across New York.
These funds are used for personnel, overtime, equipment, and training, all focused on reducing gun-related crimes. The goal is to make cities safer by preventing shootings and improving law enforcement efforts.
Statewide Gun Violence Decline
Overall, the GIVE program has shown positive results. Across New York, shooting incidents are down by 28%, and the number of people shot has decreased by 24% in 2024.
However, these numbers reflect only those police departments that are part of the GIVE initiative. Let’s dive into how this has impacted Albany, Schenectady, and Troy.
Gun Violence in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy: Summer 2024 Data
The following table highlights the key numbers related to shootings, shooting victims, and people killed by gunfire in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy during the summer months of June, July, and August. We compare the 2024 data to the same period in 2023 to better understand the changes in gun violence in these cities.
| City | Shootings 2023 | Shooting Victims 2023 | Killed by Gunfire 2023 | Shootings 2024 | Shooting Victims 2024 | Killed by Gunfire 2024 | % Change Shootings | % Change Victims | % Change Killed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | 11 | 12 | 5 | 18 | 27 | 2 | +33% | +28% | -25% |
| Schenectady | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 1 | -42% | -33% | 0% |
| Troy | 12 | 14 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 0 | -61% | -59% | -100% |
Albany: A Rise in Shootings but Fewer Deaths
Albany saw a significant increase in gun violence during summer 2024. Shootings went up by 33%, with 18 reported incidents compared to 11 last year.
The number of victims shot also increased by 28%, but the number of deaths due to gunfire dropped by 25%. While it’s encouraging to see fewer deaths, the rise in shooting incidents is a concern for the community.
Schenectady: Slight Decline in Gun Violence
In Schenectady, the numbers paint a more hopeful picture. The number of shootings decreased by 42%, and the number of victims was also down by 33%. However, one person was killed in 2024, compared to zero deaths last year.
The GIVE program seems to be making a difference here, but the increase in deaths is something law enforcement will need to focus on.
Troy: Significant Decrease in Gun Violence
Troy saw the most positive changes, with shootings down by 61% and shooting victims decreasing by 59%. Importantly, there were no deaths due to gunfire in Troy during the summer of 2024, a significant improvement from the one death reported last year.
The city’s efforts to reduce gun violence seem to be paying off, and Troy may serve as a model for other cities.
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What Does the Data Mean?
The data shows that while gun violence remains a challenge, cities like Troy and Schenectady are making progress. Albany, however, has seen an increase in shootings, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat gun-related crimes.
The GIVE program’s success in some areas proves that with the right funding and strategies, gun violence can be reduced.
Community engagement and ongoing law enforcement efforts are key to making these improvements last. It’s important for the public to stay informed, support local initiatives, and work together with law enforcement to keep our cities safe.