Gun violence in Montreal dropped 26% last year: SPVM

Montreal police said gun violence dropped 26 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

SPVM credits decrease to increased police visibility and targeted deterrence strategies.

Police say they made 351 firearms-related arrests and seized 774 firearms in 2023.

Montreal Police Chief Fadi Daguerre announced the statistics at a press conference on Tuesday with Cédric Couture and Marc Charbonneau, as well as SPVM and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

They highlighted the work of well-known police groups and programs such as ÉCLIPSE and ARRET, as well as a visibility initiative where officers meet with Montreal youth in elementary and secondary schools.

Also part of the year-end information session, the SPVM said its police force grew for the first time in five years – with 362 new fires totaling 4,580 personnel (compared to 4,489 in 2022).

Looking ahead, SPVM has set a number of goals for the next three years, including gaining the trust of all Montrealers and “fully restoring the ability to operate.”