Don’t trust naysayers — Adams’ crime decline is no mirage
The New York City mayoral race is heating up, with public safety remaining a top concern for voters and a key talking point for incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. Adams has highlighted the recent significant decreases in serious crime in the city under the leadership of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. In the first quarter of 2025, there was a notable drop in murders by 34% and shootings by 23%.
Critics of Adams are pointing out that while serious crime may be decreasing now, overall crime rates have risen since he took office, especially when considering misdemeanors and other offenses outside of the seven major felonies. However, for progressive leftists who have previously downplayed the city’s crime issues, it is challenging to shift their narrative without acknowledging their past stance.
One argument from Adams’ critics is that the increase in crime was a result of the NYPD being more active, particularly in black and Latino neighborhoods. They claim that more arrests were made due to increased police presence, rather than an actual rise in criminal activity. However, recent data suggests that the enforcement efforts by the NYPD have been effective in driving down major crime rates.
Despite claims that increased enforcement leads to higher crime rates, the opposite has been observed in New York City. The number of 911 calls to the NYPD has been steadily rising, indicating a genuine increase in reported crime by residents. Additionally, the NYPD has been operating with a reduced number of officers, contradicting the notion that aggressive policing tactics are solely responsible for the city’s crime trends.
The recent decline in crime can be attributed to targeted enforcement efforts by Commissioner Tisch, focusing on high-crime areas and repeat offenders. However, the ultimate responsibility for public safety lies not with the mayor, but with lawmakers and officials at the state and local level who determine policies related to law enforcement and criminal justice.
As the mayoral race progresses, the candidates’ ability to address public safety will be crucial, but they will be limited by the existing legal framework and enforcement practices. Without comprehensive reforms and collaboration between various stakeholders, including the NYPD, prosecutors, and legislators, the challenges of crime in New York City will persist.
In conclusion, while Mayor Adams and the NYPD have made strides in reducing crime rates, the underlying issues of criminal justice policy and enforcement practices must be addressed to ensure long-term public safety in the city.
