The Fall River Police Department has released its annual report that includes crime statistics for 2023.
The numbers show overall crime in the city was down 23% compared to 2022 and just below 15% since 2018. Police Chief Paul Gauvin said that although encouraging, he knows that crime statistics posted today may not translate into a long-term trend.
Confirmed cases of gunshots fired were up in 2023 over the year prior. Illegal firearm arrests were up. The chief says there are a greater number of city residents who can legally own firearms than in years past and last year’s increase is on par with numbers since the mid 2000’s.
Incidents of burglary, robbery, larcenies and motor vehicle theft were down across the board compared to 2022 as were incidents of aggravated and sexual assaults.
The chief is proud of the significant decrease over the last five years in the number of drug overdoses and overdose deaths.
Overall arrests in 2023 were up 17% from 2022 and the chief attributes that increase to the officers’ dedication in following up on leads and taking action against alleged illegal activity.
The department is still down 17 police officers from being fully staffed. The chief says the department remains competitive in recruiting new officers while the number of retirees leaving the force has decreased. Retaining officers remains a concern.
The chief says the perception of whether Fall River is a safe city is driven by how people receive their news, much of it today through social media.
