State needs better policies to address crime, especially in the bigger cities
Editor:
Let’s face the facts and simultaneously not reference any politician. Perhaps then we can just analyze the truth, devoid of any emotional sentiment.
Is New York safe?
As a lifetime New Yorker, I say, “No”.
One reason is the failure of bail reform. What started out as an intent to give fairer treatment to defendants and improve public safety has backfired immensely. The crime rates have not decreased, and the jurisdictions implementing the bail reform have experienced rising crime. A lack of accountability for repeat offenders has threatened community safety. Many repeat offenders commit ensuing property or felony attack crimes while awaiting trial.
People no longer feel safe in malls, shopping centers, concerts and even on hikes. Public awareness has been heightened and yes, people are afraid. Neighborhood surveillance has increased because of porch theft, residential burglaries and car theft. Public anxiety has resulted in Amazon ring cameras being a staple in many households.
The crime rate in downstate New York is significantly higher than upstate. Violent crime in NYC is between 630-650 offenses per 100,000; Upstate 220-249 per 100,000, so NYC is nearly triple that of upstate. However, upstate urban centers such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany rank high for per capital violent or property offenses.
Smeared across our screens post July 4th, we witnessed the surge of crime in both Rochester and Buffalo. The communities involved were negatively affected and without a doubt public safety was compromised.
In Buffalo a street party, which gained momentum, via social media, resulted in 11 people being shot. Two deaths were cited across Niagara Falls, Rochester and Buffalo. The police were stretched to their limit, as they had to deal not only with the planned events but the unexpected violence.
ECMC reported treating 29 trauma patients. Several were gunshot victims. Strong Memorial Hospital, on Independence Day, recorded up to 8 victims within minutes. Typical weekend stats at both Strong and Rochester General bring in 1-4 victims.
In NYC a massive 5,000 officer hiring surge has been cancelled and the NYPD budget has been suppressed to help close the previous $5.4 billion deficit. Aid from Albany helped close this deficit. Does this make sense when the crime rates in urban centers are notably higher?
I commend DA Susan Howard for her window to the truth and how the judges’ ability to detain repeat offenders has been limited, which ultimately poses a threat to our communities. Judges have to regain specific powers to address each offender and apply the appropriate restrictions, instead of just the minimum ones.
Cases should be scrutinized closely to justify pretrial release or mandatory jail time. Likewise judges must be allowed to consider public safety and how a defendant on bail may jeopardize this.
Mary Mager
Fairport, formerly of Albion
