Bridgeport has come a long way since the brutal crack cocaine epidemic across the county from the mid 1980s into the 1990s turned inner-city neighborhoods into gangland war zones.
During that period, under three mayoral administrations, Bridgeport experienced 50-70 murders a year.
Fast forward currently. So far roughly half way into 2025, according to Chief Roderick Porter, the city has had two homicides, both were domestic related, and arrests were made quickly.
The trend line of decreasing violent crime in large cities is chronicled by Major Cities Chiefs Associations some of it attributable to the fading COVID-era crime wave. Economics often impact crime scenarios. In recent years federal law enforcement has also assisted city police in taking down violent gangs.
Local walking patrols, heightened community engagement and youth programs initiated by Porter are rebuilding relationships with a citizenry suspicious of police actions, not just in Bridgeport but across the country.
The graphics supplied by Porter at OIB’s request show comparisons in key crime categories. Last year the city experienced five homicides in the first half of the year, 12 overall. The city crime rate is down in every major category from this time a year ago.
By comparison Hartford had 22 homicides in 2024 and New Haven 14, cities with less population than Bridgeport’s approximately 148,000, the largest in Connecticut.
Graphic above, provided by Chief Porter, shows six-year trendline.
Great! I think I’m going out now.
“What did you say honey?” “Watch channel 8.”
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