Two Issues Shaping Public Safety in New York City
New York City has seen encouraging drops in violent crime so far this year, including a 20% decrease in murders and a 13% drop in shootings. But these improvements come alongside serious challenges, including untreated mental illness and discovery laws that have made it increasingly difficult for courts to successfully prosecute criminal offenders.
New York's Mental Health Crisis
Homelessness and untreated serious mental illness are very visible on our streets and subways. Balancing public safety and compassionate care is more urgent than ever.
Mayor Adams’ plan to treat homeless individuals with severe mental illness — sometimes by involuntary hospitalization and treatment — has sparked debate. Critics warn of overreach, while supporters say these interventions are both necessary and humane.
The plan, which is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s broader, state-wide $1 billion mental health investment, includes added capacity in psychiatric care centers and expanded community programs.
What are discovery laws? How do they impact public safety?
In 2019, New York changed the laws that dictate how and when prosecutors share evidence with defense attorneys with the goal of creating a fairer, more transparent process.
These changes have resulted in a huge increase in case dismissals on technical grounds since prosecutors face impossible timelines to collect and share evidence. This means fewer convictions, delays in justice, and less accountability for offenders.
Today, many are calling for recalibration of discovery laws to give prosecutors more time to gather evidence and eliminate loopholes that are contributing to revolving door justice. Learn more.
The Bottom Line
Addressing public safety means tackling both immediate concerns and systemic issues, which is why reforms to mental health care and discovery laws are necessary to make New Yorkers safe. We’ll continue to share important updates on these topics in the coming months and advise you when the time comes to weigh in with your elected representatives on policies that offer solutions.
Earlier this year, Vital City explored the state of crime in NYC, combining hard data with public sentiment. While New York remains one of the safest large cities in the country, increases in some categories of violent crimes and the slower-than-expected recovery from the surge in crime during the pandemic have left many residents uneasy.
