A non-partisan non-profit organization working to make criminal justice
and public safety policies and practices more effective through innovation,
research, and education.
Guns have played a role in too many crimes in New York City for far too long.
Over 4,800 arrests involved a gun charge in 2015.
There were over 1,300 shooting victims in New York City during 2015.
68% of the 350 murders in the city were attributed to gunfire in 2015.
While overall crime in New York City was down in 2015, the number of illegal gun crimes remains too high. More must be done to prevent these crimes from occurring, deter likely offenders, and swiftly respond when crimes occur.
SOLUTION
The Crime Commission conducted a review of the NYPD's responses to illegal gun crime by interviewing members of the NYPD and criminal justice practitioners, examining the current operations and strategies utilized by the NYPD and national best practices. Based on our findings, the commission developed a comprehensive strategy to prevent those likely to engage in firearm violence from offending; ensure the swift and sure prosecution of firearm offenders; enhance the identification and investigation of recidivist of firearm related incidents; and enhance the investigation of interstate firearms trafficking.
On January 12, 2016, Crime Commission President Richard Aborn joined Mayor de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Bratton, the NYC District Attorneys, the Office of Court Administration, the local U.S. Attorneys, the ATF and others to announce the implementation of the Crime Commission's plan, including:
New NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Division (GVSD)
All police investigations related to illegal guns, as well as shootings and gangs, are consolidated under the new Gun Violence Suppression Division within the NYPD.
Increased utilization of intelligence
A new Analysis Unit under the GVSD will streamline the collection, analysis, dissemination and coordination of information from multiple NYPD computer databases and sources regarding the possession and use of illegal guns.
New Gun Prosecution Unit under the GVSD
For the first time in New York City history, the NYPD will assign a dedicated officer to each gun case from start to finish.
To ensure that illegal gun prosecutions are successful, officers will track illegal gun case outcomes, obtain feedback from District Attorneys' about why cases succeeded or failed, and utilize this feedback to improve evidence gathering and inform police training.
Enhanced DA/NYPD partnership
Prosecutors from each District Attorney's office will work with the NYPD to enhance and expedite the prosecution of illegal gun cases.
Fast tracking of illegal gun cases in NYC courts
For the first time, the court system will match Judicial Hearing Officers with designated trial judges who will work together as a team to adjudicate all cases charging unlawful gun possession. A team approach within the court system will allow for cases to be fully and finally resolved within six months of their inception while ensuring due process.
Resources for DNA testing
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will have additional funding and increased staffing dedicated to quickly testing DNA from all guns swabbed for DNA by the NYPD.
Enhanced coordination among federal agencies and the NYPD to combat illegal gun trafficking
The NYPD and ATF will conduct intelligence-driven multi-state illegal gun trafficking investigations, in coordination with the local U.S. Attorneys' and District Attorneys' offices.
The Crime Commission continues to work with the NYPD, Office of Court Administration, and each District Attorney's office to ensure effective implementation of Project Fast Track.
