Crime statistics released by the City of Erie Police Department show efforts to enhance public safety are positively impacting the community. 

Erie Mayor Joe Schember attributes the decrease in crime to the dedication of the Erie Police Department (EPD) and successful program that directly contribute to crime prevention and reduction. 

“Our focus has been to keep our community, and the families who call Erie home, safe and secure. Over the past three quarters the Erie Police Department has continued to demonstrate their expertise and compassion to the residents of the City of Erie.”

“It’s been a very busy year so far, and the men and women in the City of Erie Police department are doing amazing work to address violent crime and other unlawful acts. Our officers truly care about the people of Erie, and we encourage anyone who suspects or witnesses crime to please call us so we can address the issue," said Chief Dan Spizarny. "This is especially important if you are a victim of crime so we can help keep it from happening again to you or someone else.”

Crime stats for first 9 months: 

  • Homicide:
    • 3 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 13 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 4 in first 9 months of 2022
  • People Shot:
    • 13 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 41 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 56 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Shots-Fired “Confirmed” Cases:
    • 80 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 146 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 213 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Aggravated Assault
    • 72 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 108 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 107 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Robbery:
    • 61 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 69 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 73 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Stolen Firearms:
  • 37 in first 9 months of 2024
  • 56 in first 9 months of 2023
  • 131 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Recovered firearms:
    • 143 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 194 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 263 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Burglary:
    • 239 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 256 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 353 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Theft from motor vehicle:
    • 202 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 268 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 516 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Stolen autos:
    • 108 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 134 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 118 in first 9 months of 2022
  • General theft:
    • 1,005 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 838 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 817 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Fraud:
    • 209 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 238 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 281 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Forgery:
    • 10 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 8 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 18 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Rape:
    • 29 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 29 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 18 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Sex Offense:
    • 115 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 200 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 103 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Arson:
    • 27 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 15 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 27 in first 9 months of 2022
  • Domestic Disturbances:
    • 4,514 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 4,538 in first 9 months of 2022
  • DUI:
    • 135 in first 9 months of 2024
    • 131 in first 9 months of 2023
    • 82 in first 6 months of 2022

Additionally, there were 187 overdoses in the first 9 months of 2024, compared to 297 overdoses during the same period in 2023, and 243 overdoses for the same period in 2022. 

According to the EPD, the following initiatives that were started in 2023 are contributing to the decrease in crime: 

  • ShotSpotter technology immediately directs officers to the exact scene of gunfire and
    helps catch individuals leaving shooting scenes with weapons.
  • The Juvenile Unit, reinstated in 2023, has four detectives that handle youth cases to
    put them on a positive path and keep them out of the criminal justice system.
  • The specially trained Crisis Car, also reinstated in 2023, has 10 officers working
    around the clock, to answer domestic-related calls, help people in crisis with mental
    and behavioral health issues, and connect residents to services. This Unit responded
    to 1,904 crisis calls for service in their first year.
  • Community-policing initiatives, such as the Community Outreach Program (COP) and
    the Police Athletic League (PAL) engage more than 1,700 youth and over 116 officers
    committed to building the cop-kid relationship in 24 locations throughout the city.
  • Additionally, in 2023 the EPD secured $8.1 million in grants and reimbursements which
    helped purchase e-bikes, vehicles, technology, training, and vital equipment. So far in
    2024, the EPD has secured approximately $6.8 million in grants to fund PAL, police
    officer salaries, auto theft investigations, vehicles, peddle bikes, motorcycles, coldcase prosecution using DNA, drug and alcohol prevention, port security, technology
    and equipment, and SWAT vehicles. This funding has been critical to keeping our Erie
    police officers safe and to providing them with the tools they need to better protect and
    serve our community.