FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 July 9, 2025

Mayor Mantello, Chief DeWolf Announce Major Public Safety Gains Through Project Sentinel and Community Policing Initiatives

(TROY, NY) – Mayor Carmella R. Mantello and the Troy Police Department today held a press conference to announce significant reductions in violent and property crime citywide, as well as the continued success of Project Sentinel, the department’s targeted enforcement initiative aimed at reducing gun violence, drug trafficking, and illegal activity.

Since its launch in June 2024, Project Sentinel has delivered impressive results:

• 79 arrests, including 84 felony charges
• 12 search warrants executed
• 6 firearms recovered (5 handguns, 1 rifle)
• Nearly $16,000 in cash seized
• Significant drug seizures including:
  • 1,951 grams of cocaine
  • 53 grams of heroin/fentanyl
  • 3,566 grams of ecstasy/MDMA
  • 56 grams of psilocybin mushrooms

In addition, since the dedicated Project Sentinel team was formed on June 11, 2024, officers have made 59 arrests, including 46 felonies and 13 misdemeanors, many of which were in direct response to community and neighborhood complaints.

“Project Sentinel is delivering results, and the numbers show it,” said Mayor Carmella Mantello. “Violent crime is down, illegal guns are off the streets, and neighborhoods are safer thanks to the work of our dedicated officers. We’ve taken a community-first approach that prioritizes results, partnerships, and strategic enforcement. Troy is on the right track - and we’re not slowing down.”

The press conference also included updated crime statistics for 2025, showing year-to-date reductions across all major categories:

• Shots fired incidents down 22% from 2024 and 51% from the five-year average
• Shooting incidents down 51% year-over-year, and 73% from the five-year average
• Violent crime down 16% from 2024, 18% over the five-year average
• Property crime down 24%
• 42 illegal firearms recovered in 2025 so far

Through New York State’s GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) Initiative, Troy has experienced a 42% decrease in shootings involving injury and a 45% drop in shooting victims compared to 2023. Shootings with injury are down 36% from the five-year average.

“We’re seeing the real impact of strategic, intelligence-led policing,” said Troy Police Chief Dan DeWolf. “These numbers reflect the tireless work of our officers, the effectiveness of programs like Project Sentinel, and the value of strong community cooperation. The credit goes to our men and women on the front lines and the residents who continue to be our partners in public safety.”

Additional updates included:

• Successes of the Walking Beat Program in downtown and outdoor dining corridors, which has improved visibility, prevented panhandling, and enhanced quality of life.
• The expansion of panhandling awareness signs throughout walkable areas. These signs include a QR code linking residents and visitors to local nonprofit resources, offering a more impactful way to support those in need. Additionally, the signs are also a resource for those in need directly
• Increased enforcement against illegal e-bikes and Dirt Bikes, which pose hazards to pedestrians and motorists. The Troy Police Department is actively identifying and seizing noncompliant e-bikes across the city.

###