Homicides Are Down, But Shootings Are Up

While the crime and murder rates are down, the numbers of shootings in the city is up versus last year. Newsday's article proposes a few theories: (1) Less police visibility on the street, perhaps due to the NYPD being more concerned with terrorist activity; (2) the disbandment of the Street Crime Unit, which was involved in the shooting of Amadou Diallo; (3) the heat wave of late; and (4) not "clamping down" on gun activity immediately. The NYPD has reportedly shifted some of its officers to focus on gun crimes in order to manage the situation, but looking at some of the statistics shows some areas experiencing 50-85% increases in shootings.

And speaking of shooting incidents, a man killed his cousin while "playing" Russian roulette in their Bronx apartment. Sigh. See crime statistics from the NYPD here .

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By Jen Chung in News on August 26, 2005 7:50 AM

Comments [rss]

dylanphile

$1.2 million for a two bedroom? well, i guess you're a blood-sucking lawyer, so you could even consider that. in the real world, that's not a concern of many. just ride your damn horse up to the marina and stay there.

sharpshooter

The shooting style in recent years, as opposed to 15 years ago, is for the shooter to hold the gun sideways. It's supposed to look cool or tough. This coolness translates into less control of aim.

Rayna

It's a myth that murders are correlated with temperature.

David

Street Crimes Unit made walking on the street with a gun a very risky proposition, expect shootings to continue to increase as the reality of the lessened risk of arrest becomes known. Plus as more carry, more feel the need to carry causing a spiral effect.

Michael

More shooting, less dying? Perhaps medical technology is getting better, so that what used to be fatal gunshot wounds can now be treated. I heard a similar thing is happening in Iraq: fewer fatalities than expected, but way more serious injuries.

bob

Killings down and shootings increasing. Maybe shooting skills are declining!

Dave H.

Drauchi told the officers that he did not intend to kill his cousin. "He said it was an accident," a police source said.

Uh, I don't think the word accident is really applicable in these circumstances.

Clare

This quote is awesome: "Russian roulette?" asked neighbor Anthony Castillo, a friend of the victim. "That's crazy. That's stuff you see in the movies or hear about in the suburbs - not here in the 'hood."