Mount Vernon officials say shootings in the city are down to the lowest rate in years.

Right after he swore in seven new police recruits Friday, Mayor Richard Thomas said the number of shootings are down 42 percent and murders are down 14 percent.

Thomas credits the city's relationship with federal law enforcement for the decrease and the police department for improving community relations.

Crime has fallen in most categories, but rapes have increased. There were 10 reported rapes in 2017 and 16 reported rapes so far in 2018.

The news comes the same week Thomas made headlines for the crimes he is accused of. On Tuesday, Thomas rejected a plea deal from the attorney general's office that would have forced him out of office. He is accused of six felonies for allegedly misusing campaign funds.