New York City Experiences Safest Summer in Modern History

Decreases in every index crime category and a 9.3% drop in overall crime for August 2016, compared with 2015

  New York City experienced the safest summer – in overall crimes reported – in the entire Compstat-era that began in 1994. There were 1,610 fewer crimes reported during the months of June, July and August 2016, or a 5% decrease, compared with the same period in 2015. This also marks a 73% decrease, or 73,463 fewer crimes, compared with the same period in 1994 – the initial year Compstat was implemented under Police Commissioner William J. Bratton’s first tenure leading the NYPD.

For the month of August 2016, each category of index crime experienced a decrease – resulting in 957 fewer total index crimes reported, or a 9% reduction, compared with August 2015. Murder is down one crime, or -2.9% for the month of August 2016, compared with August 2015. Also for the month of August 2016: rape is down 10 crimes, or -6.7%; robbery is down 247 crimes, or -15%; felonious assault is down 162 crimes, or -7.6%; burglary is down 289 crimes, or -20%; grand larceny is down 224 crimes, or -5.4%; and grand larceny auto is down 23 crimes, or -3.3%.

Today marks Commissioner Bratton’s final crime press briefing.  For context, there were 1,946 murders in 1993. There were 352 murders in 2015.  In calculating the annual reduction in murders over the ensuing two decades, it can be inferred that approximately 28,800 fewer murders have occurred in New York City since Commissioner Bratton first implemented Compstat with the late-Jack Maple in 1994.    

“Detractors said it couldn’t be done. We have further reduced violence and serious crime across this city, yet again,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. “The tremendous focus on a small group of criminals has resulted in these unprecedented declines in crime – as violence has increased in other American cities significantly. To the men and women of this Department, thank you for what you do every day to make this the safest big city in America.”

“Our city just experienced the safest summer since the NYPD broke ground with Compstat more than two decades ago. It is clear from our success this summer that neighborhood policing works,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Commissioner Bill Bratton has helped make our city the safest big city in America. We owe the Commissioner an extraordinary debt of gratitude for the lives he has saved and the security he has brought neighborhoods across our five boroughs. While the achievements of Commissioner Bratton can never be replicated, I have never been more confident in the future of the NYPD than I am today knowing that Chief Jimmy O’Neill will continue the department’s focus on precision and neighborhood policing as we deepen the bond between officers and the communities they serve and protect.”  

Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.

Public Advocate Letitia James Endorses State Senator Gustavo Rivera in Reelection Bid

James touts incumbent State Senator's strong record as a defender of Bronx families, advocate for greater transparency in Albany, and supporter of progressive issues

 

   State Senator Gustavo Rivera continues to consolidate his support among New York's leaders in progressive politics with the endorsement today from New York City Public Advocate Letitia James. The Public Advocate's support draws a clear contrast between the incumbent Senator and his controversy-plagued, formerly-Republican opponent in the September 13th Democratic primary for the Bronx's 33rd Senate District. 

 

"Gustavo Rivera is a true progressive in Albany, fighting for the needs and rights of working families. As the New York City Public Advocate, it is critical to have a partner in Albany fighting for tenants' rights, access to quality healthcare, and safer streets. I am proud to support Gustavo Rivera, and look forward to continuing our strong partnership on behalf of all New Yorkers,"said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James.  

 

"I am honored to have the endorsement of our Public Advocate Letitia James," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "I share the Public Advocate's commitment to working families in the fight for fair and affordable housing, ensuring a living wage for all workers, and the many other issues affecting the Bronx. With her support, I look forward to continuing our work of making New York a safer, more equal place for all."

A Living Memorial: Dedicated to All Victims of September 11, 2001

On Behalf of the Foundation for the Revival of Classical Culture, we present : MOZART REQUIEM A Living Memorial: Dedicated to All Victims of September 11, 2001 and Its Aftermath

RESERVE TICKETS

Bronx HIRE/Jewish Board of Family & Children Services Interview Fair

Outdoor Movie THIS Saturday Night - Inside Out - Saturday, Sept. 10 in Vinmont Park

Join Us for a Movie in Vinmont Park (Mosholu & 255th Street)
Saturday, September 10th

Porto Potties will be available!

Friends of Van Cortlandt Park Part of National Campaign from Michelob ULTRA and the American Hiking Society to restore trails this fall

A portion of every Michelob ULTRA purchase this fall will help restore 12 trails, including the John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park, throughout the US and everyone can help decide how the funds are distributed.

 

Just in time for the fall foliage, Michelob ULTRA is introducing an initiative to help restore running, cycling and hiking trails which are essential to Michelob ULTRA drinkers’ pursuit of an active life.  From September 4^th through November 26^thMichelob ULTRA will be donating a portion of every purchase up to $200,000 to the restoration of 12 trails across the United States, including our very own John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, NY.

 

Partnering with the American Hiking Sociery for the second straight year, Michelob ULTRA has expanded the program from two trails in 2015 to a total of 12 trails this year.  Each of the 12 participating trails will received $5,000, with Michelob ULTRA drinkers helping to decide which trails receive the remaining funds by visitingmichelobULTRA.com/theextramile and voting for their hometown.

 

“We are honored to have been selected for this exciting opportunity to receive not only funding needed for the ongoing maintenance of the John Muir Trail in our Park,” said Christina Taylor, Executive Director of the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park, “but also for the opportunity to promote the various hiking opportunities in Van Cortlandt Park.  We know that “VCP is Where NYC Hikes” and hope this will encourage more people to explore our 20 plus miles of trails.”

 

The 12 participating trails span from coast to coast with the John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park as the only trail in the Northeast.  The John Muir Trail, 1.5 miles, was established in 1997 with the help of the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park summer interns, is the park’s only east-west path.

 

To support the Go the Extra Mile Fund, purchase any package of Michelob ULTRA.  Everyone can cast a vote for their favorite trail by visitingmichelobULTRA.com/theextramile – no purchase necessary to vote.

 

For more information on the John Muir Trail, hiking in Van Cortlandt Park and upcoming opportunities to go on a hike with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park visit

 http://vancortlandt.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Van-Cortlandt-Park-NYCs-Most-Hikeable-Park.pdf

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We would hope that this promotion does not lead to underage drinking or overindulgence in binge drinking to earn a few pennies from this companies beer sales. There must be better ways to get the much needed monies, right elected officials? 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

 

Victory Over Citizens United

This week in the Citizens United v. Schneiderman case, the judge dismissed Citizens United's challenge to the Attorney General's longstanding donor disclosure rules. Under the Court's ruling, Citizens United must finally disclose its biggest donors to the Attorney General's Office.

Attorney General Schneiderman issued the following statement in response:

"Today’s decision is a victory for common sense oversight of New York’s vast nonprofit sector. New Yorkers deserve to know their donations are protected against fraud and abuse, and today the court protected that right by dismissing each and every one of Citizen United’s claims."

Protecting Animals And Families From Exploitation

Attorney General Schneiderman ordered former Scottsville Veterinary Adoptions, Inc. to distribute its assets to the Humane Society and Lollypop Farm after an investigation by the AG's office found that the group had been selling dying pets to unsuspecting New Yorkers. As a result of the agreement, the adoption center will no longer be permitted to operate as a non-profit and will be subject to inspection in order to ensure compliance with the New York Pet Lemon Law. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

THREE sHOOTINGS ASSOCIATED WITH J'OUVERT THIS MORNING

  Mayor Bill de Blasio: Every year, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people come out to participate in this celebration of Caribbean culture. Typically, at J'Ouvert almost a quarter of a million people, including last night at the parade – often over a million people. The vast, vast majority celebrate peacefully. They represent their culture proudly. And it's a moment where every year, people look forward to celebrating their heritage as all New Yorkers do for their own heritages. And we are very clear about honoring and uplifting that celebration of heritage. But at the same time, our hearts are heavy today. We never accept violence in our midst. Last night, there was violence that is fundamentally unacceptable that we will continue to address more forcefully. Last night, a very few people violated that spirit of pride and celebration and caused pain for so many others. 

  Chief of Brooklyn Detectives Patrick Conry, NYPD: In the early morning hours associated with J'Ouvert, we had three shooting incidents involving four individuals who were shot. Two of those individuals are deceased. I will give you a little bit of a summary of each of the three incidents.

Approximately 03:45 hours at Empire in Flatbush, we had two individuals shot – a female 72-year-old who was shot and it's not likely, and a male 18-year-old who is deceased. We believe at this point, one if not both of those individuals are unintended targets. We did recover some shell casings that leads us to believe there was a crossfire. 

Second incident happens at 4:15 am – Franklin and Empire, which is about a block away. We have a female, 22 years old, shot in the head. She's also deceased. We believe she was an unintended target at this time, absent any additional information. 

Third incident happened at 6:45 am. Classon and Rogers – a couple of blocks off the parade route, but within the zone. We had a male, 20-year-old, shot in the leg. Two groups crossing paths had a verbal dispute which turned physical. Apparently, a male stepped out from the crowd – fired one round from a 9 millimeter firearm, striking him. He's not likely. 

So to recap – three shooting incidents – four people shot; two deceased.