Albany leaders say despite the perception, crime rates are headed in the right direction.

Police Chief Eric Hawkins said the number of homicides has decreased by 31% from the same time last year. The number of guns seized from the streets has increased by 48%.

Hawkins said his staff is doing its job to keep the community safe by deploying officers to hot spots.

One such hot spot is in Madison Park, where two people opened fire on one another.

He acknowledges that some people still have the perception that crime is on the rise.

“I think the way to deal with that is by having these sorts of forms, getting information out there, getting correct information out there, accurate information,” he said.

There have been 11 homicides compared with 16 last year at this time.

Other statistics include a decrease in larcenies of 16%, drop in burglaries of 17% and drop in motor vehicle thefts of 39%.

The number of shooting victims has increased from 54 to 62 and the number of shooting incidents has increased from 44 to 51.

They are making progress in fighting crime, despite being down 60 sworn officers, they said.

Learn what Mayor Kathy Hochul’s thoughts are about the statistics by watching the video.