Paterson police announced a significant drop in crime for the first six weeks of 2025, with decreases in robberies, aggravated assaults, and burglaries compared with the same period in 2024. The department also reported recovering 14 firearms so far this year, up from 10 during the same period last year.

From Jan. 1 through Feb. 9, robberies decreased by 31%, aggravated assaults by 13.4%, and burglaries by 30.1%, contributing to a 10.5% drop in overall crime within Paterson.

“So far this year, the members of the police have shown what they can do. This is a significant accomplishment that directly contributes to the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Officer in Charge Patrick Murray. “Each firearm removed from the streets represents not only a threat that has been neutralized, but also potential lives saved.”

Murray credited the drop in crime, in part, to a 40% increase in illegal firearm recoveries. The 14 guns seized this year came from officers in the Patrol Division, Narcotics Division, Community Stabilization Unit, and Shooting Investigation Unit. Several of the recovered firearms were connected to domestic violence incidents.

Of the guns seized, three had no serial numbers, commonly known as “ghost guns.” Five had been reported stolen, and one was modified to shoot fully automatic with a large-capacity magazine.

The police highlighted the dangers officers face during firearm recoveries. On Jan. 1, officers responding to a domestic violence call encountered a suspect with an active arrest warrant. The suspect resisted arrest, and a handgun fell from his person. As he reached for the weapon, officers restrained him until additional units arrived, and he was taken into custody. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case.

Paterson police said they will continue their strategy of precision policing and data-driven deployment to prevent crime and maintain public safety.