Major cities see drop in homicides after increasing police funding

In recent years, some major cities have made the decision to increase support for their police departments, and the results are speaking for themselves. According to data compiled by the Major Cities Chiefs Association from January 1 to March 31 in 2025 and 2024, cities such as Philadelphia, Denver, Minneapolis, and New York City have all experienced a decrease in homicides after boosting their police budgets.

Philadelphia saw a significant 28% drop in homicides year to date, while Minneapolis experienced a staggering 54% decrease, and Denver saw a decrease of nearly 59%. New York City, known for its high crime rates, also saw a 28% decrease in murders year to date. These statistics are a clear indication that increasing funding for police departments can have a positive impact on public safety.

What is interesting to note is that all of these cities made the decision to increase their police budgets in 2024, despite facing pressure from activists who were advocating to defund the police. In Minneapolis, local lawmakers voted to increase the police budget by 6% in 2024, while New York City also allocated more funding to its police department during the same year.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who assumed her role in November 2024, attributed the decrease in crime rates to the department’s focus on reducing recidivism. In an op-ed for the New York Post, Tisch emphasized the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions and ensuring that law enforcement has the resources needed to keep communities safe.

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, a spokesperson for the National Police Association, believes that the drop in murders is a clear rejection of the “defund the police” movement. She emphasized that there is always room for reform and improvement within law enforcement, but completely eliminating police funding is not the answer. Smith highlighted the fact that more police work often leads to less crime, and the American public is beginning to recognize the importance of adequately supporting law enforcement agencies.

Overall, the data from these major cities serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that police departments play in maintaining public safety. It is essential for communities to invest in law enforcement and provide them with the resources and support needed to effectively carry out their duties. As the saying goes, “more police work equals less crime,” and it is crucial that this principle is upheld to ensure the well-being of all residents.