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3 June 2016—
Mayor Bill de Blasio, hosted a press conference to discuss NYPD crime statistics at NYPD headquarters, on 2 June.
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(From Left to Right) Chief of Patrol Carlos M. Gomez, Chief of Department James P. O’Neill, Mayor Bill de Blasio, First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin B. Tucker, Deputy Commissioner Operations Dermot F. Shea, Chief of Detectives Robert K. Boyce at the press conference
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker opened the conference. After introducing every one at the desk, said: “Unlike other large cities across the country, New York has seen a decrease in both shootings and homicides for the current year-to-date period.”
“We are the safest big city in America,”
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Mayor Bill de Blasio
Releasing new crime statistics, Mayor de Blasio. “The first five months of this year saw a 22 percent drop in shootings in comparison to the first five months of last year – that’s almost 100 fewer shootings in that period – the first five months this year versus last,” said.
And the Mayor continued: “When it comes to homicides 13 percent fewer year-to-date. And overall index crime for the month of May – down 6.1 percent from the same point last year – that’s about 500 fewer robberies, burglaries, murders, and shootings.. We are the safest big city in America. We’re improving it regularly, and that is on top of the anti-terror efforts we undertake every single day.”
NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce “We had 26 at this point for the first five months in 2015 – 26 gang-motivated homicides in the City. So, far this year we have seven. We are down 19 – that’s a 73 percent reduction. So, it’s working”
After long-term investigations, hundreds of gang members have been arrested this year. And more gang takedowns are scheduled.
Chief of Detectives Boyce continued: “From the second week in April to now, 353 persons arrested in these take downs. We’ve done very well with it. As I’ve said the gang takedowns are long-term, we have more coming. I’d say where we are going in June, we have 21 takedowns targeted for June as well.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio :“Those are numbers that tell us a lot, but I want to emphasize the human reality. When we talk about fewer homicides, when we talk about fewer shootings, when we talk about more gun arrests, we’re taking about changing people’s lives, we’re talking about people who can feel safer and can be safer. We know we’ve got a long way to go. (…) We understand there’s still too many people in this city who feel fear. But we know that with each step forward, it lightens that burden, at least a little, for so many New Yorkers,“ said.
First Deputy Commissioner Tucker added: “On July 1, our Police Academy will be graduating a recruit class of more than 1,200 new officers. These officers will be hitting the streets throughout the City.”
What do you think? Are New Yorkers feeling safer?
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