MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon was a safer place in 2017, according to the annual compilation of crime statistics by the city’s police department, which show overall crime is down a dramatic 32 percent since 2011 across seven major crime categories.
Year over year, the city registered drops in all the categories of crimes against people: rape down 42 percent, murder down 36 percent, and aggravated assault down 5 percent. Two of the four categories of crimes against property also dropped, with robbery down 19 percent and burglary down 16 percent.
Grand larceny was up 20 percent and grand larceny auto was up 21 percent.
Overall, the drop from 2016 to 2017 was 3 percent, which continued a strong, long-term, downward trend in major crime across Mount Vernon. When compared to last year, the statistics show a crime drop of: 8 percent from 2015; 10 percent from 2014, 29 percent from 2013, 23 percent from 2012, and 32 percent from 2011.
“Our hard work is paying off in making Mount Vernon a safer city,” said Thomas. “Making our streets safe for our children, families, businesses and visitors is the most important thing we do in government. These statistics show that the quality of life in our city is on the upswing and that the positive trajectory is sustainable, tangible and expandable in the future.”
Harris pointed to a number of factors behind the drop in crime, including deploying personnel strategically, which anticipates and diffuses trouble by putting resources in places and situations where the probability of crime is high. Also, working closely with the District Attorney’s Office and the courts, law enforcement ensures follow-up to policing with prosecutions, convictions and incarcerations.
By working in partnerships, the Mount Vernon Police Department is able to leverage its resources by forging strong alliances with the New York Police Department, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the state and county police, and other law enforcement agencies.
Lastly, school resource officers, cultural emersion training, weekly publication of crime statistics, “Coffee with a Cop” and “Bright Night,” which leverages the surveillance cameras of merchants, are all activities designed to tighten the bonds between the police and the community.
“We are thinking outside the box,” said Harris. “To engage our partners and coordinate resources, we are working in news ways. Externally, we are taking advantage of evidence-based research, and internally we are offering more and better training and leadership development.”
Tighter linkage between City Hall and the police department was also viewed as a positive factor. Each week, the mayor, the police commissioner and the leadership staff of the department conduct a one-hour meeting to address all levels of public safety issues.
Moving into 2018, the city’s crime-fighting capabilities will get a major boost from the swearing in of 15 new officers in January, as will the department’s morale with the permanent appointment of Harris as commissioner and the selection of other officers into key management roles.
“Many challenges remain,” said Thomas. “But the people, programs and policies we have put in place are delivering real results. I want to thank the men and women of the Mount Vernon Police Department for the bravery and dedication they demonstrate every day. Together, we are moving Mount Vernon forward and making our city safer.”
William Sweeney, assistant director-in-charge of the FBI New York Division, also spoke to the partnership between the city and the FBI. “The FBI’s Westchester Safe Street Task Force is laser focused on reducing violent crime in all the communities we serve,” he said. “The City of Mount Vernon is an important partner in that effort. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the City of Mount Vernon and all our local, state and federal partners, as together we target the most destructive elements around us.”
