Bronx Council Member Oswald Feliz Advocates for Increased Police Presence Amid Rising Shootings
New York City Councilman Oswald Feliz has taken a proactive stance on addressing the surge in violent crime in the Bronx. Representing the 15th District, which encompasses neighborhoods like Fordham, Belmont, and East Tremont, Feliz recently penned a letter to the interim NYPD Police Commissioner, Thomas Donlon, urging for more police officers to be deployed to his district.
In his letter dated September 23, Feliz highlighted the alarming increase in shootings in several Bronx precincts, including the 46th, 48th, and 52nd. He expressed concerns that these communities are being “left behind” in the city’s efforts to reduce violent crime rates.
Feliz emphasized the urgent need for additional resources and law enforcement presence in these high-crime areas. He pointed out that while the overall crime rates in NYC have seen a decline over the past year, certain neighborhoods in the Bronx continue to grapple with escalating violence.
Rising Crime Statistics in the Bronx
The data provided by the NYPD paints a grim picture of the current situation in the Bronx. In the 52nd precinct alone, there has been a significant increase in the number of shooting incidents, with 17 reported incidents year to date, marking a more than 50% surge compared to the previous year. This precinct covers Bedford Park, Fordham, and Kingsbridge, among other neighborhoods.
Similarly, the 46th precinct, which patrols areas like Fordham and University Heights, has witnessed a 14.3% rise in shooting incidents compared to last year. The 48th precinct, encompassing Belmont and East Tremont, has also experienced nearly a 24% increase in shootings, according to NYPD data.
Feliz also highlighted the spike in murders in certain precincts within his district. In the 46th precinct, the number of murders has nearly doubled, with 23 reported cases this year compared to 10 in the same period last year. However, there has been a notable decrease in murders in the 48th precinct, from 12 to 6, and a slight decline in the 52nd precinct by 11.1%.
Discrepancies with Citywide Crime Trends
The surge in violent crime in these specific Bronx precincts stands in stark contrast to the overall crime trends in New York City. While shooting incidents citywide have decreased by 8.5% compared to the previous year, the Bronx has seen a modest 2.4% increase. However, the borough has witnessed a 17.6% decrease in murders, which is a positive indicator.
Feliz acknowledged that addressing crime requires a multi-faceted approach and that law enforcement presence is just one aspect of the solution. He emphasized the importance of community engagement, social services, and crime prevention strategies in tandem with increased police presence.
Public safety is a shared responsibility, and Feliz stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that all communities benefit from safety-related progress. He cited the role of police presence in deterring crime and emphasized its impact in the neighborhoods he represents.
In conclusion, Council Member Oswald Feliz’s advocacy for increased police presence in the Bronx reflects a proactive approach to addressing rising crime rates. By highlighting specific precincts experiencing spikes in violent incidents, Feliz has brought attention to the urgent need for additional resources and support in these communities. As discussions and initiatives continue to unfold, it is crucial for stakeholders to work together towards creating safer environments for all residents in the Bronx.
