The NYPD is cracking down on quality of life crimes as part of a new enforcement initiative to address an increase in violence in New York City.
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell says open-air selling of narcotics, public drinking and urination and dice games lead to disputes and shootings. She’s directing officers to crackdown on these offenses. However, Molly Griffard with the Legal Aid Society says this is nothing but failed broken window policies of the past.
“Study after study shows focusing in on low level quality of life offenses does not actually produce any sort of public safety benefit. In fact, it can do the opposite.”
NYPD Stats show the number of quality of life complaints are on the rise along with violent street crimes.