Brooklyn Only Borough Seeing Drop In Murders, Shootings
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New statistics show Brooklyn is the only borough that's seen a decline in murders, shootings and shooting victims this year.
As WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported, that's raising questions about what's different there.
According to crime statistics released April 19, there have been three fewer murders in Brooklyn this year compared to the same period in 2014. Shooting incidents are down 11.7 percent, and the number of shooting victims has fallen 15.7 percent.
To compare, there have been four additional murders in each Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx, while there has been no change on Staten Island. Meanwhile, there has been a 5.3 percent increase in shootings citywide and a 3.3 percent jump in shooting victims.
It's unclear exactly why the Brooklyn numbers are down, but Borough President Eric Adams thinks it has to do with programs in the community. For example, Operation Ceasefire responds to gang violence.
"Historically, every shooting that took place with a victim, there was a follow-up shooting that someone came and responded to that shooting," Adams said.
Community activist Tony Herbert would like to see more proactive efforts.
"It seems as though that the programs identify where the issues exist, but after the fact," said Herbert, adding he likes mentoring programs and camps.