In New York City, the number of reported cases of violent crime has remained at historically low levels when compared to the 1980s and 1990s but is on the rise. The topic of public safety has come under increased attention as a result of a spate of high-profile events that occurred in subway stations and tourist hotspots.

A 20 or 30 something year today in New York City is seeing a rate of violent crime they have never seen before. This, along with the increase media coverage, is causing fear in the average New Yorker.

Murders in New York City

The number of overall shooting events in New York City for the month of July 2022 was higher than for the month of July 2021. Many blame this on the fact criminals belief there are no consequences for violent crimes. The number of shootings that occurred across the city rose by 13.4% (178 vs. 157), with increases mostly occurring in Brooklyn, southern Queens, and Staten Island. In addition, as compared to the same time period the previous year, the number of homicides committed across the city rose by 34.3% for the month (47 vs. 35).

Decrease in Police

The number of full time sworn office in New York City has been slowly decreasing over the last 10 years. In 2012 the population of New York City was 8,199,000 people and there were 34,555 full time office or 1 police officer for every 237.27 residents. In 2021 with a population of 8,468,000 people and 35,047 full time officer this number has increase to one office for every 241.60 residence.

Cashless Bail

Cashless bail was approved by the New York State democrats in 2019. In 2022 democrat New York City Mayor Adams is calling for a major overall of the system and for good reason. In an August new conference Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell acknowledged their frustration on the cashless bail laws.

The main reason was the repeat offenders who were let out without bail, including one Harold Gooding who had been arrested eighty-eight times since 2020. Despite his 88 arrest under the new law cops and judges have repeatedly let him free without bail. The top 10 repeat offenders accounts for 485 arrested since the bail reform laws took effect.

These repeated crimes are, without a doubt, causing undo burden on the NYC Police Department and courts. Everyone of these arrest takes away time the officers could be perusing other cases or patrol the streets.