SHARE

Bridgeport Touts Big Decline In Homicides, Shootings In 2016

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Crime statistics through the first half of 2016 show major reductions in homicides and shootings in Bridgeport when compared with the same time period last year, according to police. 

Bridegeport Mayor Joseph Ganim and Police Chief AJ Perez

Bridegeport Mayor Joseph Ganim and Police Chief AJ Perez

Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness

So far in 2016, Bridgeport has seen four homicides, a 50 percent reduction from the homicide figure through the first six months of 2015. 

Specifically, only two homicides in Bridgeport thus far this year have resulted from gunfire, a 75 percent decline in the shooting homicide figure from the same time period in 2015. 

Overall, Bridgeport has seen a 25 percent reduction in shooting incidents (45 shootings as compared with 60) in the first half of this year as compared to January through June 2015.

The statistics were released by Mayor Joe Ganim and Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez.

“These numbers show remarkable progress made by the Bridgeport Police Department in taking preventative steps to reduce gun violence,” said Ganim. “Chief AJ Perez and the entire police force have been very proactively pursuing a strategy to get illegal guns that could be used to harm Bridgeport residents off our streets. 

"Even one homicide is too many, but we can see that our new policing strategy is already yielding results. We are also committed to growing the size of the police force so we can keep this positive trend going.” 

Perez agreed, saying: “We are making our community safer by cracking down on crime havens and keeping the pressure on illegal drug and gun dealers, and this is only the beginning. We have strong partnerships in all of these efforts with state and federal law enforcement agencies. 

"Our most valuable resource, however, is the support we receive every day from the people of Bridgeport who trust our officers enough to provide key information that helps us investigate, solve and prevent crime every day. This partnership will be critical to continuing to improve public safety in our city.” 

Bridgeport City Councilwoman Jeanette Herron from the 133rd District said, “Due to the new administration and the wonderful chief, our police officers are working harder than ever to keep crime down in our city. I am proud of their work and my constituents have really noticed the improvement.” 

Police praised the men and women of the Bridgeport Police Department and credited medical personnel, partnerships with state and federal law enforcement for the decline in crime.

In a Facebook post, the police department also praised the cooperation and information "we get from the residents of Bridgeport every day that helps us investigate, solve and prevent crime."

to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE