Are progressive prosecutors to blame for an American homicide wave?
Recent data suggest the story is much more complicated
IT WAS A short honeymoon. On January 1st, Alvin Bragg assumed the office of Manhattan district attorney. One of a new class of “progressive prosecutors”—criminal-justice reformers who aim to reduce the number of people in prison—Mr Bragg launched a spate of policy changes. Offences like burglary and possession of certain weapons would be downgraded; other crimes like prostitution and resisting arrest would no longer be prosecuted at all. Weeks later, New York City witnessed a sudden surge in violent crime. Two police officers were killed on the job. Mr Bragg had to announce a U-turn.
This article appeared in the Graphic detail section of the print edition under the headline “Why have murders soared?”
From the February 19th 2022 edition
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