Press Release from the Office of the Mayor, David N. Cicilline

Providence - Mayor David N. Cicilline today joined Colonel Dean M. Esserman at the District Six Neighborhood Station to announce a dramatic reduction in crime for the City of Providence in the first six months of 2004. The latest statistics showing a 78 percent drop in the murder rate demonstrate that the Capital City is becoming a safer place to work and live. Mayor Cicilline and Colonel Esserman attribute the continuing reduction in crime to community policing, partnerships with various community groups and governmental agencies, and other crime fighting initiatives.

“I want to commend Chief Esserman and the men and women of the Providence Police Department for their hard work in making Providence one of the safest cities in America,” said Mayor Cicilline. “The residents of Providence have also played a critical role in creating safer neighborhoods by forging historic partnerships with police officers.”

For the first six months of 2004, all seven categories of Part I crimes have shown declines: Murder (-78%), Rape, (-11%), Robbery (-29%), Aggravated Assault (-15%), Motor Vehicle Theft (-20%), Burglary (-10%), and Larceny (-5%). These statistics represent an overall reduction of 11% citywide (See attached chart).

While many cities nationwide are experiencing higher crime rates, its important to recognize that the City of Providence has been showing decreases in overall crime for the past 18 months. Components such as the Neighborhood-Policing concept, and the nine accessible District stations factor in to the success of this reduction. Additionally, improved communication and working relationships with community-oriented groups and social service agencies can be attributed to the drop in crime. Finally, the “Re-Engineering” of the Providence Police Department, and the efficient use of resources, such as the gun task force and federal prosecution of gun violators are contributing factors to the decrease in crime.