One of the qualities that makes a community a desirable place to live in is public safety. People want to feel safe walking their streets, going to the store and enjoying a meal at their favorite restaurant, especially on the weekends. This quality-of-life component was present in the Jamestown community decades ago, unfortunately today, our residents are experiencing a public safety crisis.

Recent crime statistics demonstrate that the City of Jamestown is not safe contrary to what has been portrayed in the 2025 State of the City report as it pertains to public safety. In fact, Jamestown has become a dangerous city.

These statistics are alarming for a city the size of Jamestown and it reinforces that being a police officer here is a very dangerous job.

In 2024, violent crime increased in the city with 7 of the 8 homicides in Chautauqua County occurring in Jamestown. That is a shocking number, and it should be unacceptable to our city leaders.

The recent annual Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) report issued by New York State revealed that Jamestown, a Tier 2 city, experienced the largest increase in shootings going from four victims in 2023 to 10 in 2024. Gun deaths increased from one in 2023 to four in 2024. Both are the largest increases among the Tier 2 group which also includes the town of Amherst, Auburn, Binghamton, Cheektowaga, Elmira, the town of Greece, Ithaca, Jamestown, Kingston, Lackawanna, Middletown, Spring Valley, and Watertown.

Only Binghamton, which according to the 2023 census has an estimated population of 46,727, had more shooting victims – 11 – than Jamestown which has an estimated population of 27,965 also according to the 2023 census.

The GIVE statistics don’t portray the whole story as it does not consider shooting incidents where an intended victim isn’t struck with a bullet. According to the definitions provided by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, a shooting incident must result in one or more persons struck by a bullet.

Prior to 2022, shooting incidents were accounted for by the state when someone was hit with a bullet, casings were found at a scene, bullet holes were found, there was video footage or anything else that confirmed shots were fired. Due to the change in GIVE definitions, the attempt to create a perception that there are fewer shootings is not reality.

The fact is that people across the city are discharging firearms recklessly so the GIVE statistics are skewed to make it appear that Jamestown, and New York State for that matter, are safer than they actually are.

Finally, even though the City’s population has decreased, Part 1 offenses, which include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, in 2023 were 1,016 and in the City Annual Report Public Safety Report for 2024 shows 1,084 offenses.

Jamestown is like many upstate cities in rural communities that have suffered from population loss due to people leaving and economic conditions. However, if Jamestown is once again going to be a desirable place to live it starts with making sure that its residents and those who might consider moving here feel safe.

So, when you hear City Hall claim that it is enhancing public safety don’t believe it. City Hall officials must face the reality that Jamestown faces a public safety crisis.

The Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association Executive Board is comprised of: Sam Piazza, president; Adam McKinley, vice president; Erik Kraft, second vice president; Tim Mason, secretary; Doug Weaver, treasurer; Greg Frye, parliamentarian; and Courtney Schauman, sergeant-at-arms.