A majority of big city mayors said they would be open to federal assistance with curbing drugs, guns and violent crime on their streets, according to a new survey released Thursday.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors shared the poll in which mayors from 60 cities across 28 states also said juvenile crime is a “serious or very serious” problem.
The survey also showed that even though mayors reported sharp drops in crime through the first six months of this year compared to 2024, they generally still want assistance.
“While many cities have seen a significant reduction in violent crime over the last year or so, it is clear that it remains a challenge in our communities,” said Tom Cochran, the Conference’s CEO and executive director. “The president of the United States continues to discuss this issue and has indicated his intention to take further federal action to reduce violent crime, including sending the National Guard into more cities.”
Among the respondents, 77% of mayors wanted more help from the Drug Enforcement Administration in tackling drug trafficking in their city.
Another 75% sought support from the FBI in both new criminal investigations and those that have remained open for too long.
And 73% of mayors said they would welcome assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to trace illegal guns in their area.
As for juvenile crime, nearly 6 in 10 mayors called the presence of young offenders a problem in their cities. Survey respondents said car thefts were the most frequent crime committed by juveniles, followed by gun possession, shoplifting and disturbing the peace.
Young criminals were highlighted in Baltimore’s response about the greatest public safety issue it faces.
“Juvenile crime continues to be a challenge, with an escalation in the seriousness of offenses committed by young people,” city officials said in the survey.
“While we are encouraged by the sharp decrease in juveniles becoming victims of gun violence, our officers continue to make multiple arrests, and it is frustrating that some of these same juveniles are being arrested repeatedly,” Baltimore officials said.
The mayors said additional federal help is needed for grants to purchase new police technology, such as drones, cover subscription costs related to current technologies, and more money for crime prevention initiatives.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.