Beware of Gov. Hochul’s Deceptive Crime Reduction Claims
Gov. Hochul released a statement last week highlighting significant drops in crime rates across New York state in 2024.
The statement boasted about a 26% decrease in shootings, the lowest number of shooting incidents with injuries since 2006, and the lowest level of gun violence in the state since 2006.
During a press conference, Hochul claimed that murder and gun crime rates were lower than they’ve been in 60 years, refuting criticisms from skeptics.
However, as a bearer of truth, I must correct the governor on her data.
The numbers she referenced only came from 28 out of over 500 police departments in the state.
The report she praised had a disclaimer on every page stating that the data was preliminary and subject to change.
Also, the 28 police departments represented only 4.3 million people, or 22% of the state’s population.
Notably, the report excluded every county in New York City, all of which have Democratic district attorneys.
Hochul’s statement seemed rushed and misleading, likely aimed at aiding Democratic candidates in their races against Republicans for congressional seats.
The majority of people in the 28 police departments she cited, 78%, live in counties with Republican district attorneys, which contradict her claims.
Despite Hochul’s focus on crime reductions in specific areas, crime statistics across the state tell a different story.
Real data show an increase in felony crimes in New York City and the rest of the state compared to previous years.
Violent and aggravated crimes by firearms are also higher in 2023 than in 2019, outside of the city.
While politicians celebrate minor decreases in crime rates, they fail to acknowledge the significant rise in crime since the implementation of certain criminal justice reforms.
The benchmark for crime statistics should not be based on recent years but rather compared to the crime levels in 2019 before the implementation of such reforms.
Releasing thousands of inmates charged with various crimes led to historic increases in crime rates, revealing the consequences of certain criminal justice policies.
In summary, Hochul’s statistics are misleading and cannot conceal the fact that certain reforms have resulted in more criminals on the streets and consequently more crime.
It is essential to address the root causes of crime and reform policies to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.
Jim Quinn was executive district attorney in the Queens District Attorney’s Office, where he served for 42 years.
