Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton today announced 2014 saw the fewest murders last year in recorded city history. The Mayor and Commissioner also announced the city saw the lowest murder, robbery and burglary rates in the past 10 years. In 2014, Overall Index Crime was down 4.6 percent since the previous year, Overall Index Crime in transit was down 14.8 percent over the previous year, and housing crime was down 6 percent over the previous year. In 2014, marijuana arrests dropped 10.5 percent over the previous year. In 2014, complaints to the Civilian Complaint Review Board also dropped 11 percent compared to the previous year.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe from harm is our top priority—and our officers’ commitment to safe neighborhoods is clearly reflected in last year’s record low crime rates. We know that the path toward an even-safer city is rooted in closer bonds between police and the communities they serve. And from the hardworking officers who patrol our streets, to the parents who keep their children on the right path, to this city’s social workers, teachers and community leaders, we’ve worked together to achieve these extraordinary gains,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we begin the new year, we will build on last year’s momentum to ensure the world’s greatest police department keeps getting better, and to ensure we keep our residents and our officers safe from harm.”

“The City of New York is the safest big city in America, thanks to the hard work of the members of the NYPD who every day tirelessly perform their duty to serve and protect our communities. This relentless dedication to public safety has resulted in historically low crime levels and a safer city where millions of people live and work. The NYPD will endeavor to further reduce crime through community relationships and the integration of technology,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton.

Over the past year, the de Blasio administration has invested over $350 million to make the NYPD safer and more effective, including providing tablets and smartphones for every patrol car and officer, in-service training for the entire department, and a new body camera pilot program to increase transparency and accountability. The administration also invested $210 million in NYCHA anti-violence programs, launched a $130 million plan to reduce crime among those with behavioral and mental health issues, and invested $12.7 million in gun-violence reduction programs in 14 key precincts.

(YWN Desk – NYC)