NYC serious crimes hit levels unseen in two decades last year even as Mayor Adams claims ‘crime is down’

Serious Crime Spikes in NYC Despite Mayor Adams’ Claims

According to internal NYPD data obtained by The Post, serious crime in New York City reached levels unseen in nearly two decades, contradicting Mayor Eric Adams’ repeated claims that “crime is down” in the city.

Overall Crime on the Rise for Second Year Under Adams

For the second consecutive year under Mayor Adams, overall crime has increased. The historic surge in assaults, which nearly reached 28,000 for the first time in the city’s recorded history, was a major driver of this rise, according to the police department’s rolling report.

The report tracks the tally of seven major felony offenses from the time of arrest to when cases move to district attorneys. These attorneys decide whether to upgrade, downgrade, or stick with the charge. For example, a perpetrator who initially faces a misdemeanor charge for punching someone may have their charge upgraded to a felony if the victim’s condition worsens.

The count of major felonies, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, grand larceny, and car thefts, is commonly used as a benchmark for success year after year.

Highest Crime Totals Since 2006

The number of seven major crimes in 2023 reached 127,111 once 404 upgrades were accounted for. This marks the highest totals since 2006 for the second consecutive year, according to the police data.

City Hall has argued that its policing efforts have focused on reducing murders and gun violence, both of which have seen double-digit percentage decreases since Adams became mayor. However, the rise in overall crime suggests that more work needs to be done to address other major offenses.

Adams’ Efforts to Combat Crime

Mayor Adams, a former police captain, has called for a tougher criminal justice system and a crackdown on recidivism and bail reform. However, he appears to have been stymied by the Democratic establishment, both in Albany and locally. The City Council overturned his veto of the “How Many Stops” policing bill.

Adams has been touting his success in combating crime, citing a slight dip reported at the end of 2023. However, the rolling report shows that this early-year victory lap was premature.

Crime Numbers Continue to Rise

The number of seven major crimes in 2023 jumped to 127,111 once around 430 upgrades were accounted for, marking the highest totals since 2006 for the second year in a row, according to the police data.

Police sources suggest that the numbers could get even worse, as historically up to 800 crimes are upgraded in the rolling report annually before the final tally is set for that year.

Perception vs. Reality

Adams has been trying to address the perception of rising crime while also acknowledging the actual crime numbers. He has faced criticism for his mixed messaging on crime, with some questioning whether the streets and subways are safe or unsafe and whether violent crime is a growing trend or random incidents.

Despite the challenges, Adams maintains that New York City is safer now than when he took office. He highlights the progress made in driving down major crimes like shootings, murders, burglaries, and grand larcenies.

Impact of Crime on Adams’ Popularity

Adams’ popularity as mayor, particularly as someone who ran on a law enforcement platform, is closely tied to the crime rates in the city. If crime continues to rise, his numbers may decline, as crime is a significant factor for voters when choosing a mayor.

The mayor has also faced budget constraints due to the migrant crisis, which resulted in the cancellation of several NYPD classes. However, at least one class has been reinstated.

Conclusion

The spike in serious crime in New York City challenges Mayor Adams’ claims that crime is down. While efforts have been made to address specific areas of concern, such as murders and gun violence, the overall rise in major offenses suggests the need for further action. The perception of safety and the actual crime numbers must align to ensure the well-being of New Yorkers and the city’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. No Poverty

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Indicator 1.2.2: Proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

5. Gender Equality

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.

10. Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.

Analysis

1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 1: No Poverty
– SDG 5: Gender Equality
– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content are:
– Target 1.2: Reduce the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty.
– Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
– Target 10.2: Promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
– Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces.
– Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
– Indicator 1.2.2: Proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty.
– Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to violence by an intimate partner.
– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income.
– Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use.
– Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: nypost.com

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