SAN ANTONIO — Violent crime has decreased over the past two years in San Antonio, including homicides, murders, aggravated assaults and rapes.
One local group is working to make our city safer.
The nonprofit Big Mama's Safe House targets gun violence at it's roots and they are encouraged by the decrease in violent crimes.
"We have people with lived experiences. Those individuals, men and women who come from, that background of gun violence, gangs, crimes and robbery, instilling them back into the community, as trusted agents, as credible messengers," said Bennie Price, CEO, Big Mama's Safe House.
Boots on the ground is what Price says is working to reduce gun violence in San Antonio, through their community violence interrupters team.
"They go out and they build relationships with those who are known, to be shooters. Those who are known to be violent, and also those who are known to be victims of violence," said Price.
According to a report from Major Cities Chief's Association, homicide in San Antonio were down in 2022 from 231 to 165 in 2023. The 2022 number includes homicides from a tractor trailer incident, where 53 migrants died.
Price says putting boots on the ground is having an effect, but more funding is needed. Last year, the City of San Antonio gave Big Mama's Safe House $100,000 for it's programs.
"You see, the trends are going down because of the impact on community violence, and these officers are having when they are established," said Price.
Violent Crimes also showed a decrease through the first quarter of 2024. Numbers are down in homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults for the first 3 months of 2024, compared to the first 2 months of 2023.