For Immediate Release
February 12, 2025
PRESS ALERT
Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center’s Impact on Crime Reduction in Trenton
Trenton, NJ – The Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center (TYWLC) is proud to highlight a significant decline in crime statistics in Trenton, particularly in gun violence, coinciding with the inception of the program. Data from the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (ROIC) shows a dramatic reduction in shooting victims since TYWLC began its work in the community.
According to the statistics:
- Overall shooting victims in Trenton have steadily declined since 2016, with numbers dropping from 187 in 2016 to 84 in 2024.
- Juvenile shooting victims have seen an even steeper decline, from 25 in 2016 to just 9 in 2024.
These figures underscore the critical role that programs such as TYWLC play in providing positive opportunities for Trenton’s youth. By combining wrestling, education, and mentorship, TYWLC has helped foster discipline, teamwork, and resilience among young people, steering them away from violence and toward personal and academic achievement.
Community Leaders Weigh In:
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson emphasized the program's value, stating:
"Many dedicated people in the city of Trenton have worked tirelessly to diminish crime rates in our city. These data are encouraging and tell us that programs like Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center deserve our support"
Pastor John Taylor, President of the Trenton Capital City Community Coalition, highlighted their ongoing efforts to reduce crime, stating“We began the 4C program back in 2012 partnering with the Office of the Attorney General and law-enforcement and have been working tirelessly on reducing crime in Trenton. It is heartening to see that our work is making the difference These trends are signification and Impactful. Partnering with programs like Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center have helped us make Trenton a safer city.
Retired NJSP Officer David S. Leonardis, former NJ Division of Criminal Justice Training and
Outreach Liaison, shared his perspective:
"As a retired Law Enforcement officer who dedicated a large part of my career to community outreach, I am thrilled to see a decline in overall gun violence and especially in youth victims of gun violence in Trenton. I believe these trends are directly related to programs like Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center, which keeps kids off the streets and away from gangs. What I’ve seen over my 50-year career is that kids want to belong to something. And having healthy, appealing opportunities other than gangs is the key to keeping them on the right path."
Support from the Governor and State of New Jersey
The progress achieved by TYWLC would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Governor Murphy of New Jersey and state leadership. Their commitment to community-driven initiatives has been instrumental in providing the resources necessary to sustain and expand impactful programs like TYWLC.
TYWLC remains grateful for this partnership and urges continued investment in youth development initiatives. Expanding support for programs like TYWLC is essential to ensuring that Trenton’s young people have access to safe, constructive environments that promote long-term success.
The Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing wrestling and educational opportunities for young boys and girls in the greater Trenton, New Jersey area. This year-round program aims to promote personal growth, build self- esteem, and develop lifelong skills through the sport of amateur wrestling and education.
Contact: Ray Bethea
Director of Operations
Tel: (609) 553-8150
E: rbethea@trentonyouthwrestling.org
