An encouraging decrease in crime rate was reported this week in Troy by Mayor Carmella Mantello and Police Chief Dan DeWolf, who hailed the impressive results to improved community cooperation and a new strategic operation known as Project Sentinel. Attending a meeting alongside local community organizers at Canal Park, they shared the latest records indicating positive trends in Troy’s crime rates. ‘This is about forging a collaborative, grassroots approach to community safety that isn’t imposed from above. Tangible results are what matters most – and that’s exactly what our community is beginning to witness’, Mantello asserted.
According to the new statistics, shooting incidents have plummeted by 51% year-on-year. Violent crimes are witnessing a 16% decrease since 2024, meanwhile, property-related crimes have also dipped by 24%. A total of 42 unauthorized firearms have been seized during 2025 thus far.
The launch of Project Sentinel in the previous June marked a major stride in proactive law enforcement. Structured as a targeted street-level operation, Sentinel places officers right at known crime hotspots to deter and respond to incidents more effectively. A year later, the initiative has led to 79 arrests, seizure of six additional firearms, and the recovery of substantial quantities of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, and psilocybin mushrooms.
While a nationwide and statewide downswing in crime rates is positive news, DeWolf believes that the successful crime reduction in Troy can’t merely be attributed to broader trends. He highlighted the crucial role played by local people, both in uniform and civilians, in making their community safer. Frequently, it’s the local community’s diligent support of Project Sentinel and related initiatives that makes the difference.
Mantello picked out two seized dirt bikes as examples to illustrate the constructive collaboration. For law enforcement, pursuing these bikes could potentially cause havoc in local neighborhoods. However, if residents help by reporting sightings of these bikes entering areas such as garages or alleys, it produces a much safer and successful outcome.
Backing up Mantello’s point, DeWolf celebrated the positive influence of community participation. Troy’s Police Department is committed to not only receiving valuable tips from local community groups and their online tip portal but also ensuring they duly assess every tip and act upon it accordingly. ‘Nothing boosts our morale more than successfully addressing a significant local concern and getting applauded by appreciative neighbors’, DeWolf explained.
In terms of resistance, DeWolf reported that no opposition has emerged from community members, only from criminals. He emphasized how local community groups work hand in glove with the police. The co-founder of Team HERO, Jerry Ford, echoed this sentiment during a press conference, highlighting the shared understanding that gun violence is fueled by a societal moral crisis and can be solved by demonstrating collective commitment and love.
Team HERO was established as reaction to a gun violence incident involving two teenagers, a tragic event that catalyzed an immediate need for action, according to Ford. With their after-school and summer academies, the team resolves to work with anyone ‘tired of the repetitious, destructive cycle that’s plaguing our community.’
On the same note, the role of youth engagement in crime reduction was lauded by Kevin Pryor, Troy’s Director of Diversity, Opportunity, and Outreach, who has spent over 30 years working with youth. He underlines the vital importance of representation and opportunity for Black and Brown children.
This year, Pryor has guided around 90 children to contribute to their community through the county’s workforce program, which includes activities such as cooking hot dogs or helping to run programs during the summer evenings at Geneva Pompey Park. He argued that these jobs have a twofold benefit; they provide an income and offer a chance for the kids to serve as leaders.
Pryor highlighted the transformation of these youth offenders into ’employees.’ He said, ‘They no longer have to fear a police raid or being questioned for merely loitering downtown. They’re now contributors, not idle wanderers.’ He attributed this change to the willingness of the officers to learn and evolve along with the community.
Collaborating with the City of Troy has created opportunities that have elevated the department, enabling them to achieve things not possible earlier, Pryor added. According to DeWolf, the current work ethic within the police department is unprecedented. He ensures the public that their officers, including those involved in Project Sentinel, work well within the boundaries of law and never go ‘rogue’ as has happened in some cities.
In terms of staffing, the Troy Police Department is set to reach almost full strength by Friday due to the joining of new recruits, DeWolf reported. He expressed his pride in the commendable work being done by the department and praised the continual progress being made.
However, the accomplishments to date have not been easy or quick, Mantello noted, and the city can’t do it alone. She reassured the public that they are not celebrating prematurely but are determined to keep the momentum going. ‘Our goal is eradicating illegal activities and shootings – we remain vigilant, and our resolve to achieve this goal is unwavering.’
The post Crime Rates Plummet in Troy Thanks to Project Sentinel and Community Involvement appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
