Crime Down, Murders Up in Rochester, NY
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren recently gave her State of the City address and noted that the overall crime rate in Rochester is at an all-time low.
Mayor Warren referenced a crime statistics report issued by the Rochester Police Department earlier this year and noted that crime is generally down throughout the city. Warren specifically praised local law enforcement for their “community policing” efforts, which involve outreach to local residents and daily patrols in particular areas of Rochester, NY. Warren said that the reduction in crime is notable for including the “entire community” to solve many different issues that go well beyond merely arresting criminal offenders. After all, identifying suspects in criminal cases often requires tips from witnesses and residents. That’s why Warren, in her State of the City address, emphasized the importance of “partnership, leadership, and opportunity” in stopping crime in Rochester.
The news about crime in Rochester NY wasn’t all good, however. According to the crime report, the total number of murders in the city rose from 36 in 2015 to 42 in 2016 – a 16-percent increase in the murder rate. Additionally, approximately half of all Rochester murders in 2016 remained unsolved at the end of the year.
The rates of other violent crimes, such as sexual assault and robbery, also rose in 2016 as compared to 2015, while the rate of aggravated assaults in Rochester decreased slightly.
One crucial tool in Rochester law enforcement’s fight against violent crime in 2017 and beyond will be police body cameras. Mayor Warren and the Rochester Police Department worked together to implement the Body Worn Camera Project, an initiative launched in March 2017. A total of 486 body cameras were used by Rochester police officers in March to log almost 12,000 hours of video.
If you were charged with murder, assault, or any violent crime in NY, you should speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer immediately. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at the LaDuca Law Firm can help you fight your criminal charges. Contact us now to schedule a consultation at our office in Rochester, New York.
