National crime statistics released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) reveal a significant downward trend in violent crime during President Biden's last year in office. Following a pandemic-related surge in 2021, violent crime began to fall in 2023, with many major cities experiencing double-digit drops in homicide rates. This trend continued into 2024, with preliminary DOJ data from 85 major cities showing a 17.5% decrease in murders, a 7.1% decrease in rapes, a 3.6% decrease in aggravated assaults, and a 7.8% decline in robberies during the first three quarters of the year.

The DOJ attributes this success to the implementation of its Violent Crime Reduction Strategy in 2021. This data-driven strategy focused on deploying federal resources to support state and local law enforcement, targeting key drivers of violent crime such as gun violence and repeat offenders, and investing in community-based prevention programs. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the strategy's effectiveness and praised the efforts of law enforcement across the country in keeping communities safe.

The DOJ report acknowledges that there is no single cause for the decline in violent crime but emphasizes the vital role played by law enforcement partnerships at all levels. The department's strategic focus on gun violence and repeat offenders, combined with investments in community trust-building and preventative programs, appears to have contributed significantly to the positive trend. While violent crime increased in 23 of the 85 cities studied, it decreased in 62, and murder rates similarly improved in a majority of the cities.

As President Biden leaves office and President-elect Trump prepares to take over, the DOJ's final crime statistics offer a snapshot of the nation's progress in combating violent crime. Deputy Attorney General Monaco emphasized the administration's focus on data-driven strategies and collaboration with local law enforcement, which she credits with the observed improvements. While the report points to a downward trend in violent crime, it also acknowledges the complex nature of the issue and the need for continued efforts to ensure community safety.