The city of Binghamton has experienced one of its lowest overall crime rates in the past 15 years. Nearly all nine crime index categories decreased in 2023, according to state statistics.

It’s a new undertaking to build safer communities with a bit of an old-school approach.

When Lt. Dan Flanders dons his helmet and hops on his bike, he hopes to build relationships with communties. For the Marine Corps veteran, it’s all about trust and making sure neighbors feel comfortable approaching police.

"A lot of these folks that are out in typical neighborhoods, they don't get to see the police very often. And when they do, it's usually for a fender bender or something of that nature. This gives us the opportunity to get out there, to speak with some of the stakeholders that are out there, to find out what their concerns are," said Flanders.

What You Need To Know

  • Binghamton has experienced one of its lowest overall crime rates in the past 15 years

  • Albany and Syracuse had much higher rates

  • The seven categories considered in an overall crime index are murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft

Binghamton recently reported 2,010 reported crimes. For reference, in just nine months, the cities of Albany and Syracuse had much larger rates, with Rochester having over 9,700.

Flanders believes community policing has led to the recent drop in Binghamton.

"You're not running from call to call. You have that opportunity, if you see someone out walking their dog or doing some gardening in their yard, you can stop in and say hello. A lot of the folks that we do stop in, they're elated to see us walking around because they haven't seen a walking post in their in their neighborhood for quite some time," said Flanders.

Flanders also works with neighborhood watch groups to learn more about issues facing each section of the city.

"They might have some issues in their in their neighborhood that typically we won't hear about. But when it comes to me, I can focus one of my people or myself who might be going on on a bike focused on in areas where some of these stakeholders might have some concerns about their neighborhood," said Flanders.

Overall, the lieutenant believes increasing visibility and building bonds can create safer communities across the state.

The seven categories considered in an overall crime index are murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.