NEW JERSEY – New Jersey recorded significant declines in shootings, gun-related deaths and auto thefts in 2025, continuing a multi-year trend of reduced violent crime, Gov. Phil Murphy and state law enforcement officials announced Tuesday.
Murphy was joined by Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Lt. Col. Dave Sierotowicz at a press conference at the East Rutherford Municipal Court building, a regular site for CorrStat meetings that bring together law enforcement officials to review regional crime data.
According to state data, 559 people were injured by gunfire in New Jersey in 2025, a 28% decrease from 2024, when 778 shooting victims were recorded. The number of shooting fatalities fell to 107, a 31% reduction from the previous year.
State officials said both shooting victims and shooting-related deaths have now declined for four consecutive years, reaching their lowest levels since statewide tracking began in 2009. The number of people killed by gunfire in 2025 was more than 60% lower than the peak year of 2016, when 273 people were killed.
Nearly all major cities in New Jersey reported declines in shooting victims, including reductions of more than 50% in Atlantic City and Paterson, and drops ranging from 23% to 31% in Camden, Newark and Trenton.
Auto thefts also declined statewide in 2025, officials said. The New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center reported 13,693 stolen vehicles during the year, down 9% from 15,041 in 2024.
“Today, we recognize sustained progress in public safety, with shootings and auto thefts continuing to decline across New Jersey in 2025,” Murphy said. “This progress reflects the strong leadership of the Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey State Police, dedicated law enforcement professionals, and community partners working together across our state. Since 2018, we have reduced crime, protected communities, and saved lives. As we recognize these accomplishments, we are also proud to have established the tools, practices, and initiatives that will support continued success in the years ahead. Even as we acknowledge this progress, we remain mindful of the victims of violence and their loved ones, as the work continues to make New Jersey safer for all.”
Way said the reductions reflect years of coordinated investment in public safety.
“New Jersey residents are seeing the results of eight years of deliberate investment in public safety, with shootings and auto thefts continuing to decline in 2025,” she said. “This progress reflects a broad, statewide effort between the Governor’s Office, State Legislature, Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey State Police, law enforcement, and community partners working together to reduce violence and prevent crime. While there is more work to be done, this moment underscores the strength of the tools, practices, and initiatives that have been put in place during the Murphy Administration to protect residents and support lasting public safety across our state.”
Platkin credited collaboration among law enforcement agencies and community-based initiatives for the sustained declines.
“Consistent progress like this is only possible because of the outstanding collaboration among all of our law enforcement partners,” Platkin said. “We have taken new and strategic approaches to public safety, and they have yielded positive results in making our residents safer. Whether through community-based violence intervention programs or the continuing development of the ARRIVE Together initiative, we are making a difference. We are handing over to the incoming administration positive, established trends, and I know this important work will continue.”
Sierotowicz said intelligence-led policing has played a key role in reducing crime statewide.
“The decline in shooting victims and auto thefts is the direct result of law enforcement agencies working together and using intelligence-led policing to drive our decisions,” he said. “By coordinating efforts, targeting the right offenders, and deploying resources strategically, we are seeing real, measurable reductions in crime and safer communities across New Jersey.”
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said local partnerships have helped maintain public safety in the region.
“Bergen County continues to rank among the safest counties in the nation, and that’s a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement officers, first responders, and community stakeholders,” Tedesco said. “Governor Murphy’s leadership and strong partnership with counties like ours have made public safety a clear priority across New Jersey, and together we remain committed to keeping our communities safe and welcoming for everyone who calls our state home.”
State officials said the New Jersey State Police have increasingly relied on data and technology, including the Attorney General’s Gun Violence Reduction Task Force, to guide targeted enforcement efforts across all 21 counties. They also cited expanded community-based violence intervention programs, tougher gun and auto theft laws, and initiatives such as the ARRIVE Together program, which pairs law enforcement with mental health professionals.
Officials said the state’s crime reduction strategies have drawn national attention as models for other states.
A presentation detailing New Jersey’s 2025 crime statistics is available online.
