Allentown, PA – The City of Allentown has made significant strides in reducing violent crime, as reported by the FBI’s latest “Summary of Crime in the Nation” report, which highlights a 3% national decrease in violent crime and an 11.6% reduction in murder rates across the U.S. in 2023. Allentown has outpaced the national average, recording a 3.4% drop in violent crime, thanks to ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and improve community engagement.

Mayor Matt Tuerk credited the success to the city’s multi-faceted approach. “Our hard work and collaborative efforts are paying off,” said Mayor Tuerk. “The reduction in crime rates here in Allentown shows that our focus on smart investments in public safety is making a real difference in people’s lives.”

According to city statistics, Allentown has experienced a significant decrease in crime over the past year:

 

Year	Rate Per 100,000	National Average Crime Rate
2020	343.1	385.2
2021	325.61	377.6
2022	312.07	369.8
2023	282.73	363.8
2024* (Jan 1 – Sept 1) *Preliminary data for 2024	179.49	Not yet reported by FBI

 

Allentown’s drop in violent crime is part of a larger city-wide strategy that includes investment in law enforcement, technology, and community programs. Violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and aggravated assault have been steadily declining, a trend city officials attribute to an increase in targeted police operations and collaborative community initiatives.

Allentown has utilized state and federal grants, including ARPA funding, to bolster its public safety efforts. Key initiatives include:

• Upgrading police equipment with Axon Body-Worn Cameras and In-car Cameras for increased transparency and accountability.
• Implementing Flock Safety Technology to enhance crime prevention capabilities.
• Deploying additional special operations units and increasing the presence of uniformed and investigative patrols throughout the city.
• Partnering with the Pennsylvania State Police for collaborative patrols and traffic enforcement.

“These investments enable our officers to respond more effectively and hold offenders accountable,” said Mayor Tuerk. “We are equipping our law enforcement professionals with the tools they need to succeed.”

Mayor Tuerk emphasized that the city’s progress isn’t just the result of police work, but also strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local businesses. “We’ve seen how a united community can create safer neighborhoods,” he said. “From healthcare expansions to economic development, every investment we’ve made in our community contributes to improving public safety.”