Recent statistics from the Boston Police Department have revealed a concerning trend: while homicides in the city have increased, overall violent crime has experienced a nearly 10 percent decrease this year compared to 2024.
As of August 10, 2025, instances of Part 1 violent crimes— which include homicide, sexual assaults, and domestic violence—show a significant decline, according to the latest data.
In conjunction with violent crime reductions, property crimes have also seen a drop of 3 percent during the same timeframe. Property crimes encompass a variety of offenses, including commercial and residential burglaries, larceny from motor vehicles, auto theft, and other related larcenies.
Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox expressed concern over the rising murder rate, emphasizing that the figure does not reflect the generally safer city compared to his childhood years.
In a recent phone interview, Cox stated his department’s goal is to ultimately reduce homicides in Boston to zero. However, he acknowledged the unpredictability of violence, which can arise in various settings and circumstances throughout the city.
“Violence occurs. It occurs in people’s homes, it occurs among friends arguing. In all kinds of ways it happens throughout the city,” he remarked. “We’re trying to build a culture here in the city where violence is not accepted, and when it does occur, we hold those responsible accountable.”
In addition to homicides, significant reductions have been observed in other indicators of violence. The number of non-fatal shootings and individuals injured by gunfire has also decreased.
As of mid-August, total non-fatal shooting victims plunged by 14 percent, falling from 74 victims in 2024 to just 60 this year.
Overall, the statistics reveal a 3 percent decrease in both fatal and non-fatal shootings, with 64 incidents recorded this year compared to 67 at the same point last year.
Focusing on specific areas within Boston, police districts B-2 in Roxbury and B-3 covering Mattapan and parts of Dorchester experienced a concerning rise in homicides, with 13 reported deaths—up from just 5 over the same time frame in the previous year.
District D-14, which includes Allston and Brighton, recorded the largest increase in homicides, reporting two murders this year compared to none last year.
Interestingly, B-3 (Mattapan and parts of Dorchester) saw an 8 percent rise in non-violent property crime in contrast to the previous year, with Hyde Park (E-18) reporting a 6 percent increase and Roxbury and the South End (Area D-4) seeing a 3 percent uptick.
Commissioner Cox who has strong ties to Boston, fondly recalls a time during the 1990s when violent crime peaked, reflecting on the drastic changes the city has undergone since then.
“When I was a kid, there were neighborhoods I couldn’t walk into. The level of violence in those areas was really, really high. That’s not the Boston we live in anymore,” he recounts.
Abrigal Forrester, the executive director of nonprofit The Center for Teen Empowerment, concurs with Cox’s assessment of Boston as a generally safe place despite the recent surge in homicide statistics.
Forrester emphasized that the doubling of homicides does not indicate a return to the city’s violent past, likening life to stock market fluctuations—constantly varying and rarely steady.
He asserted that the increase serves as a warning sign, necessitating community introspection.
Forrester attributes some of the social challenges to recent cuts in social programs and immigration crackdowns, which have amplified fear and anxiety in certain communities.
the emotional strain can lead to increased tension and, ultimately, more violence. He remarked, “This leads to, especially for low-income communities, levels of anxiety, levels of frustration, that in turn diminishes people’s ability to manage daily issues.”
Boston City Councilor Brian J. Worrell, who represents District 4, including parts of Mattapan and Dorchester, has expressed his concern regarding the spike in homicides.
Worrell emphasized the necessity for continuous effort in addressing gun violence and community safety.
“As long as we are experiencing homicides and gun violence and community violence, there’s always more work to be done,” he stated in a recent phone interview.
He advocates for sustained investment in public schools, community centers, and programs tailored for teens and young adults, citing their effectiveness in reducing overall crime rates.
“We can’t rest on our laurels,” he urged, recognizing that community members play a crucial role in identifying and preventing potential violence.
“Our city departments are not in your home,” Worrell noted. “Sometimes family members or friends can recognize someone heading down a path towards trouble.”
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between community members and city departments in tackling these persistent issues.
Worrell, a lifelong resident of Dorchester, remains dedicated to his community.
“I have a two-year-old son who was born in this neighborhood,” he said. “I don’t plan on moving.”
image source from：bostonglobe
