Two criminologists conducted a survey of some 1,962 retired NYPD police officers. What they found was that many, nearly half of recent retirees admitted to having “personal knowledge” of crime-report manipulation. According to the New York Times, this manipulation could include downgrading offenses or encouraging witnesses to not report crimes—all in an effort to make the crime statistics of the city seem lower than they actually are. Continue reading “What’s in a number? NYPD officers admit fudging crime stats”
New York City Crime Falls As Gangs Move Into Suburbs
Violent crime in NYC is down to “historic lows”, according to NPR. But the suburbs outside of the city are experiencing a different trend. Towns like Middletown and Newburgh are experiencing higher than average violent crime rates, and it’s due—at least in part—to gang activity. Continue reading “New York City Crime Falls As Gangs Move Into Suburbs”
Nassau County Crime Lab Locked Up
Following testimony from a lab supervisor indicating knowledge of evidence handling problems years ago, the Nassau County forensics facility has been shut down. District Attorney Kathleen Rice states she was having trouble justifying leaving the lab open, “If my faith is shaken, that’s it.” Continue reading “Nassau County Crime Lab Locked Up”
NYC Panel To Examine Crime Stats
NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced last week a panel of former prosecutors will be analyzing the collection of crime statistics in the midst of accusations that the force has manipulated numbers for their benefit. Commissioner Kelly hopes the panel will be able to restore integrity to the department’s internal crime-reporting system, according to the NY Times. Continue reading “NYC Panel To Examine Crime Stats”