NEW YORK, Dec 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) – In the first 11 months of 2020, shootings in New York City surged to levels unseen in years, according to the latest figures provided by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
From Jan to Nov, the number of shootings rose by 95 percent over the same period last year, or 1,412 vs. 721.
In Nov alone, the number of shootings in the city increased 112 percent, over the same period last year, or 115 vs. 51, it added.
NYPD said that 40 percent of those accused of a shooting had a past gun possession arrest, while 21 percent of shooting victims had one as well.
“Whatever the challenge, NYPD officers have shown innovation and determination to get the job done this year,” Police Commissioner, Dermot Shea, said.
“Our work to reimage the kind of policing New Yorkers deserve is always evolving, in line with our best traditions, to reflect the needs of everyone in our city.”
NYPD didn’t give reason behind the shooting spike. Media reported, the city’s plan to shift one billion U.S. dollars from the police department’s 5.9-billion-dollar-budget for 2021, led to low morale among the force.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic claimed at least 24,323 lives in the city, triggering partial lockdown of businesses and propelling jobless rate to new highs.– NNN-AGENCIES
