Utica’s Top Cop Sets the Record Straight on Crime Stats

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Police Chief Mark Williams addressed the City's Common Council tonight, updating them on the current crime statistics.

According to Chief Williams, the Utica Police PBA issues a press release stating the crime within the City of Utica had increased 95%. The Chief called those numbers erroneous, saying that the real crime stats reflect about a 10% jump since January 1st of this year. "Apparently the PBA used a consulting firm to come up with the statistics, just based on what they presented, which was a 95% increase in crime, if we had actually seen that type of rise, we'd be calling in the National Guard" said Chief Williams. The Chief says the 10% increase comes from property crime and that violent crime has either stayed the same or has gone down.