Staten Island is the least densely populated of the five boroughs and the least populated overall. This leads to one of the lowest numbers of crimes and often the lowest crime rates out of any area in the city. The overall serious crime rate in Staten Island is 6.6 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half the citywide rate of 14.2 per 1,000. However, residents and visitors should still understand the full picture of the Staten Island crime rate to remain safe in the area.
Many individuals and families residing in or moving into the borough may place emphasis on the crime rate when considering whether to stay. Like all areas, it’s important to note that the crime rate is only one factor involved in this decision. If you are facing criminal charges, consulting a Staten Island criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Property Crime in Staten Island
Property crimes are offenses that do not result in direct harm or threat of harm to the victim. Instead, they focus on the theft or destruction of property. This includes larceny, burglary, motor vehicle theft and, in some cases, arson.
The rate of serious property crimes in 2024 in Staten Island was 4.1 per 1,000 residents, compared to 8.3 per 1,000 citywide. Based on 2024 data, the Staten Island property crime rate, which was not specified as serious property crime, was 11.81 per 1,000 residents, compared to the statewide rate of 17.2.
These statistics show that Staten Island experiences lower rates of serious property-related crimes than New York City as a whole. This may be due to the lower population density and stronger neighborhood involvement.
The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau works to strengthen relationships between officers and local residents through outreach programs, youth engagement, neighborhood meetings, and violence prevention initiatives. In Staten Island, those efforts reach communities from St. George to Tottenville and New Dorp.
Violent Crime in Staten Island
Violent crimes result in the victim of the crime facing the threat of harm, including the use of a firearm, or the victim suffering harm or death. These include assault, battery, negligent and non-negligent manslaughter, murder, robbery, kidnapping, some instances of arson, and rape.
Staten Island’s violent crime rate of 4.554 per 1,000 in an average year means the borough is less safe than 77% of cities in the country. The southern part of the city is considered generally safer than the others. The 2.719 per 1,000 residents rate of assault is particularly troubling and adds to the suspects who are booked and processed at Richmond County Criminal Court.
Community watch groups and civil associations on Staten Island’s South Shore have long played a role in promoting neighborhood safety and communications with law enforcement. Communities in areas like Tottenville, Great Kills, and Huguenot often organize meetings, share public safety updates, and report suspicious activity to police. These coordinated efforts can contribute to lower property crime rates in several area zip codes.
Major Crime in Staten Island
Major crimes, as a category, tend to refer to significant crimes, both violent and property crimes. Law enforcement uses this term to refer to significant crimes, with a focus on felonies. There are roughly 56,000 people serving time behind bars in a typical year, and many convicted individuals have faced crimes in this category.
Reporting from 2025 found a 146.5% spike in felony assaults committed by repeat offenders.
The NYPD’s Neighborhood Policing model plays an important role across Staten Island communities by encouraging stronger relationships between officers and residents.
Other significant crimes include:
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Grand larceny
- Motor vehicle theft
- Aggravated assault
- Weapons offenses
- Drug trafficking
- Arson
- Sexual offenses
- Homicide
Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) are assigned to specific sectors and work closely with area businesses, schools, and community leaders to address ongoing concerns before they escalate.
An Overview of the Criminal Court Process
Being arrested for a crime in New York can mark the beginning of a long and potentially complicated court process. Defendants are typically booked at a nearby holding facility where they are processed. Jailers may take your fingerprints and photograph you. If a judge deems that you are safe for release as your case moves forward, you may be released on bail. It is common for bail to come with conditions, and you will be required to make regular court appearances.
Early on, you will be formally notified about your charges and allowed to plead guilty or not guilty. Entering a not guilty plea starts the pretrial phase. During that time, you can work with your attorney to review the evidence and look for weaknesses in the state’s case. This period is also when the defense decides on which strategy to pursue.
Criminal cases are resolved through a variety of means. One common means of finalizing a case is plea bargaining. The courts generally do not have the time and resources to offer everyone a trial, which makes negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys a common means of keeping court dockets moving.
If the defendant accepts a deal, it could include reduced penalties or even reduced charges. The defense could also reject an offer, although there would be no guarantee that the prosecution would come back with a better offer. During the pretrial phase, the defense can gather new evidence to support their version of events. Unlawfully obtained evidence can be suppressed. Any steps that cast doubt on the state’s case could lead to a favorable outcome in court.
If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to support their case, that could lead to positive outcomes like reduced or dropped charges. The defense can play an active role in shaping that outcome by filing motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully gathered. When law enforcement did not have a proper warrant or reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop, that can lead to violations of the defendant’s rights.
Trials are fairly uncommon, but defendants have the right to have their case decided by a judge or jury. When a case comes to trial, the defendant and the prosecution both present evidence and oral arguments. Being found not guilty can result in an acquittal and the end of the criminal case. However, trials can be complex, time-consuming, and unpredictable, which is why many cases resolve through negotiated plea agreements before reaching the courtroom.
Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal activity is a reality of life in Staten Island. Every day, law enforcement detains and arrests individuals who have been accused of committing a crime. The high number of arrests in St. George, Tottenville, New Dorp, and elsewhere in the area can lead to misidentified suspects, unlawful detentions, and other situations that can require a focused defense.
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you gain the support of an advocate who is dedicated to making sure that you stand a strong chance of successfully contesting your charges. A Staten Island criminal defense attorney can rely on their knowledge of the law and many years of experience when managing your criminal defense case.
Working with a criminal defense attorney can help you gain a better understanding of your options. Your lawyer can independently investigate the events that led to your arrest. If your rights were violated, your lawyer can take steps to have any evidence that was collected suppressed, meaning it cannot be used against you in court.
Strong legal representation can also help identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and potentially lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
FAQs
Is Brooklyn or Staten Island Safer?
Both Brooklyn and Staten Island are boroughs of New York City, which is a relatively safe city, but Staten Island is considered safer than Brooklyn based on crime and crime rates. Staten Island has a significantly fewer number of major crimes than Brooklyn and a lower major crime rate per number of residents in 2019.
Data covering serious crime rates in 2024 in both Staten Island and Brooklyn show that the overall serious crime rate in Staten Island was 6.6 per 1,000 residents, compared to 10.9 per 1,000 residents in Brooklyn.
Is Staten Island a Good Area?
Staten Island has much lower crime rates than the other boroughs, and it is also one of the less expensive locations to live in New York City. It’s considered good for families due to its decent schools and strong community. Its public transportation is less reliable than the rest of New York City, and the island is less connected to the city as a result.
Does the Crime Rate Depend on the Neighborhood in Staten Island?
Yes, the crime rate depends on the neighborhood in Staten Island, as with all the boroughs in New York City. Many of the safer neighborhoods are located in the south and middle of the island, with many of the more dangerous neighborhoods located on the north and northeast of the island. However, these locations are not definitive, and the rate can vary in any location.
Where Does the Most Crime Take Place in Staten Island?
Many of the most dangerous neighborhoods are located on the north and northeast of Staten Island, although there are some neighborhoods on the west that are also considered dangerous due to their higher crime rates. Some of the more dangerous neighborhoods include:
- Port Richmond
- Rossville North
- South Beach
- Stapleton
- Great Kills Park
- Clifton
- Mariners Harbor
- New Brighton
- West Brighton
Protecting Your Rights Against Criminal Charges in Staten Island
Facing criminal charges in Staten Island can be terrifying. You need a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side to protect that your rights are protected throughout the process. A skilled attorney can also look for the right defense to limit or prevent the penalties you face. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can assist you. We are proud to help our community in Staten Island and the surrounding boroughs. Contact our team today.
