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The Syracuse Police Department has launched a new initiative to strengthen trust between officers and the community. Chief Joseph Cecile announced that officers will dedicate 10 to 20 minutes of each shift to walking through designated areas, especially those with higher crime rates such as gun violence, vehicle thefts, and burglaries. This initiative aims to reduce crime and foster familiarity between residents and officers by having them see the same officers regularly.
According to Syracuse.com, crime rates in Syracuse have significantly decreased in 2025 compared to previous years. This trend aligns with nationwide declines, but Chief Cecile attributes some of the success to local strategies like foot patrols and engaging "credible messengers" to connect with neighborhood youth after incidents.
The initiative is supported by New York State's Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program, which has contributed to a 52 percent reduction in gun violence in participating communities since Governor Kathy Hochul took office. The GIVE program provides funding for equipment, training, and personnel, helping police departments like Syracuse's to implement effective crime reduction strategies.
Mayor Ben Walsh noted that violent crime in Syracuse, including gun violence, has decreased by over 26 percent compared to the five-year average. The city is also seeing improved coordination and successful interventions through community partnerships. The Syracuse Police Department's efforts, backed by state funding and community collaboration, aim to continue this positive trend and enhance public safety.