The Paterson Police Department today announced a historic drop in crime for the first six weeks of 2025. This year to date, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, and thefts are significantly lower than they were in 2024. In addition, PPD had taken 14 guns off of the street, compared to 10 in 2024.
From January 1 through February 9, 2025, robberies decreased 31%, aggravated assaults decreased 13.4%, and burglaries decreased 30.1% compared with the same period in 2024. These decreases contributed to a 10.5% drop in overall crime within Paterson.
“So far this year, the members of the Paterson Police Department have shown what they can do. This is a significant accomplishment that directly contributes to the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Officer in Charge Patrick Murray. “Each firearm removed from the streets represents not only a threat that has been neutralized, but also potential lives saved. It’s a testament to the vigilance of the men and women of this agency and their commitment in executing our mission to drive down violent crime with precision. I want to commend every officer in this department for their hard work and dedication. Each of us report for duty every day with the resolve to make the Paterson Police Department and our city a better place than it was the previous day. The people of Paterson are safer today as a result of these efforts.”
Part of the crime decrease can be attributed to a 40% increase in the number of illegal firearms recovered (14 in 2025 compared to 10 in 2024). The firearms were recovered by members of the Patrol Division, Narcotics Division, Community Stabilization Unit, and Shooting Investigation Unit, with a number of them tied to incidents of domestic violence, which has an increased likelihood of escalating and leading to future instances of increased violence.
Of the guns recovered, three of them had no serial numbers and are referred to as “ghost guns.” Five of the firearms were reported to be stolen previously and at least one was being modified to shoot as a fully automatic firearm with a large-capacity magazine.
The number of firearms recovered highlights the dangers Paterson police officers face every single day. On the first day of 2025, officers responded to a call related to domestic violence. Upon speaking with the suspect, they found he had a warrant for his arrest. While trying to arrest the suspect, he began violently resisting and a handgun fell off of his person. The suspect began reaching for the firearm as officers tried to get him into handcuffs. Eventually additional officers arrived to the scene and the suspect was arrested.
Charges against defendants are merely an accusation, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. These cases are being prosecuted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
In 2025, the Paterson Police Department will continue its strategy of precision policing and data-driven deployment strategies to improve public safety and prevent crimes from happening in the first place. These significant reductions in crime and firearm recoveries not only demonstrate excellence in the PPD’s work, but also the department’s partnership with the community.
