Under Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the New York Police Department has seen record low shooting rates this year, with murders also nearing a significant decline. It’s quite impressive, really.
The pressing question is whether Zoran Mamdani, the incoming mayor, can sustain this progress, especially considering his stance on policing.
As of December 21, the murder count stood at 297. While it’s heartbreaking to see even one life lost, this number is a 20% drop from the 377 murders in 2024, and it likely surpassed the 319 at the end of 2019, which was before the introduction of cashless bail led to an uptick in murders.
But wait, there’s more—cities have seen a noticeable dip in mass shootings too. In fact, they’ve eclipsed the previous low marked in 2018, recording 44 fewer incidents (652 versus 696) and 16 fewer victims (812 versus 828).
Moreover, “New York City recorded 1,000 fewer shooting victims than in 2021,” as highlighted by Police Chief Jessica Tisch on Christmas Eve. Honestly, that’s the best gift the city could receive.
Other metropolises are also experiencing substantial drops in homicide rates. For instance, Chicago, notorious for its violence, saw a 28% decline. Washington, D.C., where troops were sent during protests, experienced a similar decrease.
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams deserves credit for sticking to his 2021 promise to combat violent crime after some turbulent years.
This issue isn’t just about misguided reforms; lax judges and prosecutors have let criminal activity flourish, and this year’s felony count is anticipated to be 25% above 2019 levels.
So, the question remains: will preventive measures continue? People still find basic necessities locked away in stores.
On the other hand, Adams and Tisch have made strides by concentrating efforts on repeat offenders, high-crime areas, gang activity, and illegal guns.
Remarkably, in one stretch during the fall, the city experienced 12 consecutive days without a murder.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Mamdani is to build on these achievements despite initiatives aimed at defunding the police, which could potentially lead to a rise in crime rates.
The responsibility is now on you, Zo. Let’s see how you handle it.
