FBI Director Criticized For Comments Regarding Spike In Violence

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The FBI director is facing criticism for suggesting crime in some American cities may be spiking because police are holding back in the wake of high profile protests in cities like Baltimore and Ferguson.

Derek Valcourt has the FBI director's remarks and the sharp reaction they're earning.

The FBI director is publicly saying now what many law enforcement officials so far have only been willing to say in private: that the so-called "Ferguson effect" is taking a toll.

Protests of anger at police took the spotlight in Ferguson but it erupted into all-out riots in Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray. In the weeks and months that followed, leaders in some of Baltimore's high-crime neighborhoods complained police were holding back.

"They're leery about getting out of the cars to even question you; they're leery of even saying hi to you," said Rev. Keith Bailey, Fulton Heights Neighborhood Association, back in May.

Now facing a crime spike in many major American cities, FBI Director James Comey is echoing those sentiments.

"Some part of what is going on is likely a chill wind that is blowing through law enforcement over the last year. That wind is made up of a whole series of viral videos and the public outcry that followed them," Comey said.

Comey's remarks put him at odds with the White House and with many major metropolitan police chiefs, who say their officers are committed to reducing violent crime.

But Hopkins University policing expert Dog Ward says Comey is at the same time both right and wrong.

"There's an adverse reaction of the police because they feel hurt, they feel unappreciated and demoralized," he said. "Where I disagree with the FBI head is, I don't think it's affecting crime. I don't think that's the reason crime goes up and down."

While Comey suggests the so-called "Youtube effect" may be contributing to the crime problem, Baltimore's police commissioner sees it as part of the long-term solution.

"Where we find ourselves in American policing is eventually going to make us all even better. Do I want police officers to think about what they do before they do it? Absolutely," Davis said.

Comey admits there's no direct evidence linking the spike in crime with the so-called "Youtube effect" but says he has spoken with some officers who admit it has made them more reluctant to do proactive policing.

Baltimore has had 279 murders so far this year.

In:
• James Comey