After Recent Shootings and ATV Assault, Elorza Says Data Shows Reason for “Cautious Optimism”
GoLocalProv News Team
After Recent Shootings and ATV Assault, Elorza Says Data Shows Reason for “Cautious Optimism”
The press conference -- which began nearly 30 minutes late -- came after a weekend that included a man being shot in front of the Renaissance Hotel across from the State House; a man being attacked by ATV riders; shots fired at a store on Wickenden Street; an arrest and gun confiscation at India Point Park Bridge, and more.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTElorza -- who was flanked by Commissioner of Public Safety Steven Paré and Colonel Hugh Clements, Jr. -- rolled out data on shootings, aggravated assaults, burglaries, and robberies, pointing to a reduction of crimes reported in most of the categories year over year.
“We don’t sit in isolation. Right now even after the pandemic, many cities are seeing a spike in violent crime as a whole. The city is bucking the national trend and we’re on the decline,” said Elorza. “Yes this is heavy on statistics — there are reasons for cautious optimism. But that can change in a heartbeat. We’re not letting down our guard.”
“[With] robberies you see a more hopeful picture,” said Elorza of the data point being at 35% of where it was 11 years ago. “While many crimes are targeted — [such as] the vast majority of shootings in the city — it is far safer from a robbery perspective and being a victim of a random crime that in the past.”
2022 Mid-Year Review
At the six-month mark in 2022, Elorza noted the number of homicides stands at 4 — as opposed to 10 at the same mid-year mark in 2021.
“We’re pleased with the data — taking the guns out of the hands of people who have the propensity to shoot other people is what we’re laser-focused,” said Paré.
At the press conference, police showcased five guns that were confiscated over the weekend.