Jonathan Marks Criminal Law Blog on Lawyers.com

New York City is the largest American city with an estimated population of about 8,300,000 for 2008. During the 1980s and 1990s, New York City had an increasing crime rate which damaged its image. Since then, New York City mayors have focused on reducing the city's crime rate.

Since 2001, New York City has emphasized anti-terror programs in its anti-crime initiatives. New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly has seen a reduction in his police force from 2001 highs of 40,800 to about 35,000 in 2009. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has used Operation Impact to team veterans with less experienced police in patrolling high crime rate areas.

The NYPD placed a thousand surveillance cameras across Lower Manhattan. It has increased "stop-and-frisk" efforts. A Real Time Crime Center was established with a database for criminal information for police investigation.

According to a 2007-2008 crime report by the State of New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, New York City experienced the following crimes: violent 50,453; property 149,488; murder 496; rape 875; robbery 21,787; aggravated assault 27,295; burglary 20,914; larceny theft 115,318 and vehicle theft 13,256.

They key number of 496 homicides for New York City in 2007 increased to 516 homicides in 2008. Robberies increased 2%. Other categories, such as rape, burglaries and vehicle thefts saw reductions in crime rates. Major felonies fell 4% and serious assaults fell 8%. Crime fell in schools, public housing and the transit system.

For American cities with a population of more than 500,000 New York City was second with the lowest crime rate ranking for 2008 behind Honolulu, Hawaii. New York City had a lower crime rate per capita than the national average for 2008 according to the CQ Press.

Still, racial profiling and police brutality remain a continual concern as expressed by the African-American community. A New York City College study showed that 22 of 23 young African-American males had been reported being stopped by the police - sometimes more than five times. The acquittal of the police officers who brutally murdered African-American Sean Bell - before his wedding - also demonstrated a refusal to respect justice by punishing bad cops.

All in all, New York City has reduced crime over the last couple of decades and hopes to continue its lower crime rates with fewer police officers and more technology.

We hope that the year 2009 shows further decrease in the criminal offenses in New York City. The Law Office of Jonathan Marks has defended many criminal cases and maintains a successful track record. If you or your loved one is facing any kind of criminal charges in New York City, Manhattan and Brooklyn and looking for an expert and personalized legal assistance contact NYC criminal defense attorney Jonathan Marks. For a free consultation and immediate legal assistance call Jonathan Marks at (888) 295-4995.