PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With homicides and shootings in the city significantly down year over year, the chief of the Providence Police Department said community and proactive policing is making a difference, along with superior staffing levels.

Providence has reported two homicides in 2025, including one recently on Nov. 13 .

That’s down from 10 in 2024.

Col. Oscar Perez said 19 people have been shot in Providence this year, down from 33 last year.

Both of those numbers are below the typical average of 54 shootings in the city, Perez said.

Drug offenses have seen a slight increase, up five percent .

That’s the only data point that hasn’t seen a positive change.

The increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Providence as part of the Trump administratio

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