Boston Officials Highlight City’s Low Crime Rate in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Boston city officials have announced the city's low crime rate and reaffirmed their commitment to public safety.

During a news conference on Monday, Dec. 15, at a new Boston EMS training facility in West Roxbury, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox reported 31 homicides so far in 2025, compared to 24 the same time last year. The 2025 total represents a 16% decrease from the city's five-year average, Cox stated.

“The Boston Police Department continues to rely on community policing as our most valued partner in public safety in the city,” Cox said in a statement shared with the Boston Globe. 

In addition to ongoing crime-reduction efforts, Cox explained that the police department has focused on organized retail theft, quality-of-life crimes, and traffic-safety concerns related to scooter operations.

Cox also noted a long-term public health approach detailing new initiatives such as training hairstylists and barbers to recognize domestic violence and human trafficking signs as part of primary prevention.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized that Boston stands as a model of public safety and resilience. She pointed to upcoming large events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as priorities for safety planning.

“It is unthinkable that we live in a world where you don't even have time to process one major, horrific incident of violence before the next takes place,” she said, referencing the tragic shooting at Brown University during the weekend of Dec. 13-14. “And all the more reason why it is important for us to focus on safety.”