Attorney General Jason Miyares announced new trends and reductions in crime in Virginia’s highest crime cities, targeted by Operation Ceasefire. Speaking at a press conference at the Slover Library in Norfolk, Miyares highlighted the success of the operation in addressing gun violence and promoting group violence intervention strategies.
Miyares stated, "The goal of Operation Ceasefire was to decrease homicides in Virginia by 10%. After only a year of implementation, Virginia has a 17% decrease in murders, 10% decrease in rapes and a 3% decrease in robberies."
In 2023, 12 of the 13 Ceasefire Cities saw reductions in crime, with nine experiencing an overall reduction in violent crime. The cities collectively witnessed 225 fewer violent crimes in 2023 compared to the previous year. Hopewell led the way with a 33% reduction in violent crime, while Norfolk and Portsmouth also saw significant decreases.
Joining Miyares at the press conference were law enforcement leaders including Virginia State Police Chief Colonel Gary Settle and various Commonwealth's Attorneys and Police Chiefs from Ceasefire Cities.
The success of Operation Ceasefire is evident in the numbers, with 155 cases prosecuted, 106 convictions secured, and 41 pending trials. The impact on the communities has been positive, with tangible decreases in crime rates across the board.
For more information on individual Ceasefire Cities and access to press fact sheets, interested parties can visit the Office of the Attorney General's website.
The efforts of law enforcement agencies and community partners in the Ceasefire Cities have proven effective in reducing crime and creating safer environments for residents.