New Yorkers are increasingly concerned about public safety as crime rates for violent and property offenses rise dramatically compared to 2019 levels. The perception that low-level crimes are inconsequential has developed over the past decade, coinciding with enforcement policies that temporarily improved safety. However, this mindset has led to weaker consequences for minor offenses, contributing to distrust among citizens and an increase in serious crimes. The article emphasizes the need for legislative reform to address low-level offending and the necessity of treating all crimes seriously, particularly for youth offenders.
New Yorkers came to feel so safe that they could indulge in the illusion that the criminal justice system needn't bother imposing consequences for anything short of horrific felonies.
But low-level crimes do matter: They have victims, reduce trust between citizens - and inevitably feed more dangerous offending.
This would mean amending the radical 'Raise the Age' legislation enacted in 2018, which barred sending 16- and 17-year-olds to Criminal Court for anything short of the most heinous felonies.
With debates roiling this coming week over amending the discovery law, citizens need to tell Albany that all crimes matter and we want laws that treat them that way.
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