Violent Crime Rises In Newark – But Is Still Lower Than Past Decades

NEWARK, NJ — The violent crime rate increased in Newark last year, but it continues to be a big improvement from past decades, new statistics show.

City officials released crime data for 2024 earlier this week, which broke down the numbers in several categories. See 2023 statistics here.

There was some bad news, officials noted: New Jersey’s largest city saw a 9 percent rise in overall violent crime last year, including a 10 percent increase in robberies and an 11 percent jump in aggravated assaults. The city is also seeing spikes in thefts (47 percent) and car burglaries (60 percent).

There was also some good news: Newark saw a 23 percent decrease in murders, a 9 percent decrease in non-fatal shootings and a 9 percent drop in overall property crime, including stolen cars (35 percent).

Other crime rates remained relatively steady, including rape (3 percent decrease) and burglaries (1 percent increase).

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

According to Newark public safety officials, there was a 50 percent increase in domestic violence-related aggravated assaults last year, which contributed to the spike in overall aggravated assaults.

The Newark Police Division’s Special Victim’s Unit, each precinct’s community service officers, the Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) and the Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center are working to increase awareness and resources for victims of domestic violence, city officials said.

MIGRANTS TARGETED

Newark’s expanding migrant population has become a target for robberies, community activists say.

Community Safe Zone representative Shombay Bandele said that migrants – who often can’t open bank accounts – are being targeted because they may have large amounts of money on them.

Many advocates have claimed that immigrants in the United States commit crimes at lower rates than the U.S.-born population. Meanwhile, migrants are often more likely to be victims of crime than native-born Americans, some studies say.

STOLEN CARS

Miranda said that the 35 percent drop in auto thefts was largely due to residents beefing up their safety protocols – and not leaving their cars running and unlocked. Read More: 1 In 5 Stolen Cars In Newark Are Left Running, Police Say

Residents also took advantage of a recent free steering wheel lock giveaway that was aimed at owners of some commonly targeted vehicles, he said. Read More: Free Anti-Theft Devices For Hyundai, Honda, Kia Owners At Newark Event

THE BIG PICTURE

Despite the uptick in violent crime last year, Newark is still seeing much less violence than it did in previous decades, officials said.

This year’s results reflect a 61 percent decrease in murders and a 47 percent decrease in non-fatal shootings when compared to 2014, Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. said.

And when you go back further, the results are even more impressive, he said.

“This year’s crime stats reflect reductions in every crime category when compared to Newark’s crime stats from almost 60 years ago,” Miranda said.

“Our data shows that Newark experienced 84 murders in 1967,” he continued. “While one murder is one too many, that statistic has been reduced by 56 percent this year.”

The following graph from the FBI's crime data explorer shows the overall violent crime rate for Newark between January 1985 and December 2023 (article continues below).

COMMUNITY POLICING, VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Newark officials have credited part of the turnaround from past decades to a new approach to policing, which views crime and violence as a “public health” issue that needs to be attacked in several ways – not simply making more arrests.

The city recently began diverting some of its policing budget to the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR), which runs anti-violence programs and supports local community groups.

A network of more than 40 organizations are now helping to take a new look at crime in Newark – and what causes it.

Nonprofits, groups and community leaders across the city have been tapped in an attempt to address the root causes of violence, reaching out to local youth and holding peace marches across Newark. Meanwhile, city-employed social workers have graduated and taken the field alongside cops, a significant addition in an area where about one in four calls that police get are for “social intervention.”

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The effort hasn’t been without growing pains.

A recent incident involving gunfire in the city’s South Ward underscored the evolving relationship between community activists and local police officers – all of whom are critical to the fight against violence in Newark, officials say. Read More: Newark Police Union, Community Groups Clash As Mayor Urges Unity

However, the success of the city's new approach can't be denied, according to Deputy Mayor of Public Safety LaKeesha Eure, who pointed to last year’s 23 percent drop in homicides.

“Together, we are building a safer, healthier Newark for all,” Eure said.

“In the wake of tragedies like the death of George Floyd, our nation has had to face hard truths,” OVPTR director Kyleesha Winfield-Hill agreed.

“We’ve learned that safety is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of justice, equity and opportunity,” Winfield-Hill said. “In Newark, we prioritize people over punishment, restoration over retribution, and collaboration over isolation.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said it is “amazing” to see the work that is being done in the name of addressing violence as a public health issue.

“I applaud this incredibly effective public safety collaboration and encourage Newark police and the OVPTR to continue working synergistically to ensure that the City of Newark keeps shining as a beacon of public safety hope throughout our great state and nation,” Baraka said.

• See Related: Obama Praises Newark's Efforts To Stop Violence By Boosting Its Youth
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