The Boston Police Department is once again pleased to report that violent crime continues to fall in the city with a 15% reduction, while overall, part one crime is down 13%. Property crime decreased 13% compared to 2020. This is the fifth year in a row where both violent crime and property crime have significantly decreased.
Homicides and total shooting victims had a significant reduction, with 40 homicides in 2021 compared to 56 in 2020, which is a reduction of 29% and 20% below the 5-year average. There were 198 shooting victims in 2021, 76 fewer than in 2020, which is a 28% decrease from the prior year and 14% below the 5-year average. Shooting incidents also declined, down 64 incidents compared to 2020, which is a reduction of 28%.
Violent crime, which includes Homicide, Rape, Attempted Rape, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault, dropped 20% in 2021 compared to the 5-year average and 15% compared to 2020.
Overall, part one crime, including violent crime and property crimes such as Burglary, Larceny, and Auto Theft, dropped another 13% in 2021 over 2020 and saw an incredible 38% reduction over the past 10 years, and was down 18% compared to the 5-year average.
In 2021, officers continued to drive down crime while at the same time arresting fewer people. This goal was achieved by identifying and focusing on the individuals driving the violence and providing opportunities and help to those who weren’t. In 2021, Boston Police Officers arrested 3% fewer individuals than in 2020 and 50% fewer individuals since 2016.
In 2021, officers took a total of 833 guns off the streets and out of the neighborhoods. A total of 602 of these firearms were from firearm-related arrests compared to 538 firearms-related arrests made in 2021.
Said Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long: These crime statistics are a continued reflection of the steadfast commitment of the men and women, sworn and civilian, of the Boston Police Department in providing public safety to every neighborhood across the City of Boston.
Through intelligence-led and data-driven policing, an enduring focus on enhancing community partnerships, and unwavering resiliency, the members of the Boston Police Department were able to reduce violent crime significantly to improve the quality of life for all of Boston’s residents.
Policing is not an easy profession, and the demands on our Officers are many and frequent. I want to thank each Officer of the Boston Police Department for the courage, compassion, and professionalism they display every day.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the clergy, our valued community partners and residents, and all of our law enforcement partners. Thank you for your collaboration and work on behalf of Boston’s citizens.