Staten Island's Crime Drop: What's Behind the Numbers?

Staten Island saw a big drop in crime in 2025, but not all areas improved. The overall crime rate fell by 0. 7%, but some crimes went up. For example, grand larceny and retail theft saw small increases. However, violent crimes like murder and shootings dropped a lot. Murders went down by 63%, and shootings decreased by 26. 7%. The NYPD used a strategy called "precision policing" to target areas with the most violence. They focused on four zones in the 120th Precinct, like Park Hill and Stapleton. Officers were sent to these areas during the times when crimes usually happen. This helped reduce violence a lot. Another big win was the drop in car thefts, which fell by 28% in 2025. This was thanks to an initiative started by a former borough commander. The NYPD also worked with other agencies in New York and New Jersey to track stolen cars and catch thieves. Retail theft was a mixed bag. It went up by 0. 3% overall, but there was a 35% drop during the holiday season. The NYPD created a special team to fight retail theft, which made over 400 arrests in 2025.The NYPD also introduced "Q-teams" to deal with quality-of-life issues. These teams handle things like abandoned cars, illegal scooters, and noise complaints. Since August 2025, they have responded to 42% of service requests on Staten Island. Looking ahead to 2026, the NYPD will focus on crimes like felony assaults and youth crime. Domestic violence is a big part of the assault problem, with 48% of cases being domestic. The NYPD also saw a 25% increase in reported rape cases, 56 of which were domestic. The NYPD is trying to improve how they handle domestic violence cases. They have moved domestic violence officers to the detective bureau to streamline the process. This way, the same officers can handle cases from start to finish, making it easier for survivors to get help. Youth crime is another concern, with a 25% increase in 2025. The NYPD wants to work more with community groups, schools, and the district attorney's office to help at-risk youth.