JAMESTOWN, NY – March 14, 2025 – The City of Jamestown deeply values and respects the men and women of the Jamestown Police Department, whose dedication and service are fundamental to the safety and well-being of our community. We fully recognize the challenges they face daily and remain committed to ensuring they are supported in a manner that is fair and equitable to all.
However, recent public statements from the Kendall Club PBA—including a letter to The Post-Journal, and various social media posts from their publicity campaign—present misleading information that may cause unnecessary concern among residents. Public safety discussions must be grounded in facts, not fear. Misinformation does a disservice to both our officers and the public by distorting crime trends, staffing levels, and the effectiveness of safety initiatives. It is essential that we provide an accurate and transparent picture of public safety in Jamestown, particularly during contract negotiations.
Understanding Crime Trends in Jamestown
Recent statements from the Kendall Club PBA have suggested that crime in Jamestown is dramatically increasing, citing an uptick in homicides as primary evidence. While any loss of life is tragic, crime trends must be examined comprehensively. A selective presentation of statistics without context creates unnecessary fear and fails to reflect the overall safety of our community.
The seven homicides reported in 2024, while deeply tragic, were isolated incidents rather than part of a broad crime wave:
- Two child homicides – Devastating and heartbreaking incidents, but not indicative of a rise in general crime.
- Three targeted incidents – Cases involving pre-existing disputes, criminal activity, or retaliation.
- One early morning altercation – Stemmed from a confrontation.
- One unintended victim – A tragic but isolated event.
To provide a clear comparison, by this time in 2024, Jamestown had already experienced two fatal shootings—on January 24 and March 18—as well as two additional gun discharges. As of today in 2025, no such incidents have been reported. The early surge in gun violence in 2024 was abnormal, whereas the current trend in 2025 is more in line with historical patterns.
Crime data must be examined holistically. According to the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program, New York State has established clear definitions for tracking gun-related crimes to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. Prior to 2022, tracking methods were less precise, sometimes counting shell casings or bullet holes rather than actual incidents of gunfire striking individuals. The state has since refined its approach to ensure crime data is reliable and uniform. Reckless firearm discharges, while concerning, should not be misclassified as targeted gun violence, as doing so creates unnecessary alarm. Any concerns regarding these statistics should be addressed through appropriate state channels (Albany).
Long-Term Crime Reduction in Jamestown
Contrary to recent claims by the Kendall Club PBA, crime in Jamestown has been steadily decreasing over the past 15 years. The following data is sourced directly from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the 2010–2024 Annual Public Safety Reports, compiled using statistics provided by the Police Chief and Crime Analyst at the time. Below is a summary:
- Overall Major Crime (Part I Offenses): Down 25.92%, from 1,485 in 2014 to 1,083 in 2024.
- Rape Cases: Decreased from a peak of 48 in 2018 to 22 in 2024.
- Burglaries: At a 15-year low, dropping from 359 in 2012 to 151 in 2024.
- Motor Vehicle Thefts: At a historic low, declining from 64 in 2022 to just 14 in 2024.
Some crime categories have seen slight increases, but they remain within historical averages:
- Robberies: 39 in 2024 (15-year average: 35.27), well below the peak of 55 in 2015.
- Aggravated Assaults: 162 in 2024 (15-year average: 147.53).
- Larceny: 691 in 2024, slightly above the 15-year average of 685.87.
Public safety must be examined through multi-year trends rather than isolated comparisons. A single year’s data does not define a trend—crime rates fluctuate due to various factors, including enforcement strategies, economic conditions, societal changes, and officer engagement. When analyzed comprehensively, the data clearly shows a steady decline in crime over the past decade and a half.
Public Safety Trends: A Positive Shift in Jamestown
The 2025 State of the City Report highlights public safety improvements, citing a 9.7% decrease in calls for service from 2023 to 2024. This information is sourced directly from the 2024 Annual Public Safety Report, with statistics provided by Police Chief Timothy Jackson and the Crime Analyst. This shift reverses the steady increases seen since 2020. In 2023, Jamestown recorded 41,412 calls for service—the highest in 13 years. The 2024 total of 37,396, while still above the 13-year average of 33,809, represents a meaningful reduction and a step in the right direction.
Historically, calls for service remained stable from 2012 to 2016, ranging between 30,228 and 30,747. However, beginning in 2017, call volumes increased sharply, peaking in 2023. This trend aligns with national challenges in law enforcement, including the rise in mental health and substance use-related incidents and state policy changes that have impacted policing.
A Proactive Approach to Public Safety
Crime is influenced by multiple societal factors, including mental health and addiction, which are major drivers of violent crime in Jamestown and across the nation. While law enforcement plays a critical role in public safety, a long-term reduction in crime requires a broader strategy, including:
- Investment in mental health services
- Expanded addiction treatment programs
- Community-based interventions
The City of Jamestown has been advocating for increased state and federal funding to expand these vital services. We have actively pushed for funding for Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSC) and intervention programs that provide individuals in crisis with support before they encounter the criminal justice system. Without adequate mental health and addiction resources, local law enforcement is often left to handle situations that should be managed by trained professionals.
It is important to recognize that municipal governments do not control state policies on bail reform, sentencing guidelines, or mental health funding—all of which directly impact local crime rates. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort to advocate for policies and resources that enhance public safety in Jamestown.
State Reforms & Their Impact on Public Safety
Public safety remains a priority in Jamestown, but state-level reforms have made it more difficult to reduce crime even further. Policies such as Bail Reform (2020) and Raise the Age (2018) have weakened accountability for repeat offenders. A study by John Jay College found that felony re-arrests rose from 30% to 37%, and violent felony re-arrests increased from 16% to 24%, making it increasingly difficult to keep repeat offenders off the streets.
These policies not only hinder crime reduction efforts but also place an increasing burden on law enforcement, leading to frustration and declining morale among officers. Police repeatedly encounter the same offenders, only to see them released without meaningful consequences. This cycle not only affects officer morale but also jeopardizes the safety of residents and businesses. Without necessary reforms at the state level, our officers are forced to operate within a system that obstructs progress rather than strengthens it. A balanced approach—one that prioritizes both reform and enforcement—is essential to making Jamestown as safe as it should be.
The Facts on Police Staffing
Over the past 15 years, Jamestown’s population has declined by 10%, from 31,079 in 2010 to 27,965 in 2025. Despite this decline, police staffing has not decreased—in fact, it has increased from 60 officers in 2010 to 62 in 2025. As a result, Jamestown now has the highest officer-to-resident ratio in 15 years.
In 2003, agreements between the Kendall Club PBA and the City of Jamestown set police staffing at 65 officers, based on a population of 31,730 residents. Applying the same 2003 methodology today—adjusted for a 12% population decrease—staffing would be set at 57 officers. However, the city currently employs 62 officers, exceeding the proportional level outlined in the original agreement.
The current administration and members of City Council prioritized hiring four additional officers through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). However, these positions remained unfilled during the funding period due to recruitment challenges. Prior to the recent hiring of five new officers this year, law enforcement agencies nationwide, including Jamestown, faced staffing shortages as interest in policing has declined, resulting in significantly fewer applicants.
Moving Forward: A Collaborative Approach to Public Safety
Public safety cannot be achieved through policing alone. A truly effective crime reduction strategy requires:
- Prevention
- Intervention
- Rehabilitation
The City of Jamestown remains dedicated to working with regional, state, and federal partners to secure the resources needed to address these challenges. Expanding mental health and addiction treatment services will alleviate the burden on police officers, allowing them to focus on their core mission—protecting the public.
The reality is clear: Jamestown is not in a public safety crisis. While challenges remain, crime has declined, proactive policing is working, and continued collaboration will only enhance community safety.
