Meanwhile, the Murphy administration is taking stock of its accomplishments over the last year, counting among them a decrease in crime.

The governor and top law enforcement leaders in the state gather today to tout the most recent violent crime figures, which show the fewest shooting victims recorded for a second straight year.

Along with a double digit drop in auto thefts, Ted Goldberg has the details.

Those are trends that no other state in America can boast.

Governor Phil Murphy said he's not spiking a football.

But Wednesday's news conference in East Rutherford still look like a touchdown dance celebrating the second straight year that New Jersey set a record low for shootings.

More families have remained intact.

More cities and towns are free from the scourge and threat of violence.

Our firearms homicide rate is 67% below the national average.

That is a staggering statistic.

There were more people around their family holiday tables last month and more New Jerseyans were able to ring in the new Year with the people they love.

Cities statewide have announced similar findings recently.

Whether it be Camden celebrating a decade long turnaround on Tuesday.

Jersey City in December.

Talking about a major drop in homicides.

Or Newark praising its decrease in murders a week ago.

From investing in traditional law enforcement activities to rebuilding trust in our criminal justice system, to strengthening community based violence prevention and intervention programs at every level.

We have introduced innovative solutions and collaborated with New Jerseyans across every walk of life.

You're safer in New Jersey because we've invested in our communities as partners in our public safety strategy through, as the governor mentioned, community based and hospital based violence intervention programs that are breaking cycles of violence.

Leaders have pat their own backs while praising community groups and law enforcement.

State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan says police have successfully helped a number of people avoid the criminal justice system and drug overdoses, as well.

As illegal drug related overdose deaths are down 31% in New Jersey.

That is another staggering number.

So aside from not having gun shot victims, to have people who have support from troopers, when detectives are out there giving out Narcan and giving out their personal cell numbers to people struggling in addiction for when they're ready, that that trooper takes them to recovery coaches instead of to the county jail.

Leaders agreed that more work could be done.

Lieutenant Governor Tyisha Way says additional gun reform could be on the way.

The wave of mass shootings that seem to constantly be in the news reminds us of the ever present danger of gun violence made worse since the Supreme Court loosened restrictions on carrying a gun in public.

We will continue to do everything within our powers to protect our sacred communities.

Governor Murphy also mentioned a drop in car thefts.

About 15,000 cars were stolen last year, a double digit drop percentagewise from 2023, but still higher than pre-pandemic levels.

We also saw an 11% decrease in auto thefts, which represents a crucial step in decreasing violent crimes, including shootings which often begin with an auto theft.

According to state data, 778 people were gunshot victims last year.

New Jersey was at 13 or 1400 gunshot victims a year a decade ago.

It's a lot of progress with leaders quick to take credit and give some out as well.

In East Rutherford, I'm Ted Goldberg.

NJ Spotlight News.