Violent crime down 2% in Providence this summer compared to last

By Alana Cerrone

acerrone@abc6.com

@Alana_Cerrone

Back in May, Providence saw its first homicide of the year – the latest date for a first homicide the city has had in the past 16 years. 

Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare said he’s not making any correlations, but from this May through July, the city has seen 2% fewer violent crimes than that time period last year.

"When we have a downward trend that’s good…when we see an uptick we pay attention to it."

That means fewer murders and shootings, but it’s not entirely a reason to celebrate.

"In the past year we’ve really focused on gang and gang activity and putting resources in those pockets of neighborhoods that we know. Violent crime is down a little bit but we’ve had too many stabbings."

Especially domestic stabbings.

Commissioner Pare’s looking forward to the addition of 60 new officers in the next year to keep the streets safe, but also improve relationships with the community – which he and Mayor Elorza say go hand in hand.

"We have police officers that are basketball coaches and football coaches with our kids…that goes such a long way."

Commissioner Pare also says crime typically goes up in the summer months, but stats only give them a snapshot of crime in the city. There’s a much bigger picture to look at.

© WLNE-TV 2016