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New York State Sees Significant Reduction in Gun Violence Under Governor Hochul's Leadership

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a record-level state investment in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, resulting in a 52 percent reduction in gun violence in participating communities since 2019. The initiative, which provides funding for equipment, overtime, personnel costs, enhanced training, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, has seen a 24 percent decline in shooting incidents with injury and a 35 percent decline in the number of individuals shot in the six participating municipalities from January to June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GIVE initiative has resulted in a 52 percent reduction in gun violence in participating communities since Governor Hochul took office in 2019.
  • Shooting incidents with injury declined by 24 percent and the number of individuals shot declined by 35 percent in the six participating municipalities from January to June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • The state has invested a record-level $36.38 million in the GIVE initiative, with $36 million awarded and the remainder reserved for emerging needs identified by participating agencies.
  • The funding will be distributed among 28 law enforcement agencies, including the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, Erie County Police Department, and the Buffalo City Police Department.
  • The GIVE initiative has also seen reductions in all seven index crime categories, with a 18 percent reduction in total index crimes, a 19 percent decrease in violent crime, and an 18 percent decline in property crimes.
  • The state's multifaceted plan to support local law enforcement and community partners has helped reduce shooting incidents significantly, with 762 fewer individuals injured and 104 fewer people killed in GIVE communities since 2019.

Statistics:

  • 24 percent decline in shooting incidents with injury from January 2025 to June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • 35 percent decline in the number of individuals shot from January 2025 to June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • 52 percent reduction in gun violence in participating communities since Governor Hochul took office in 2019.
  • $36.38 million invested in the GIVE initiative, with $36 million awarded and the remainder reserved for emerging needs.
  • 28 law enforcement agencies to receive funding, including the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, Erie County Police Department, and the Buffalo City Police Department.
  • 18 percent reduction in total index crimes, a 19 percent decrease in violent crime, and an 18 percent decline in property crimes.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul's Office: "Governor Hochul Announces Over $9.1 Million in Funding for Western New York Law Enforcement Agencies to Combat Gun Violence"
  • New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services: "GIVE Initiative"
  • New York State Police: "GIVE Initiative"
  • DCJS: "GIVE Initiative"

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