Shootings surge in New York City after plainclothes police unit disbands in effort to reform NYPD

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Shootings in New York City are surging in the days following the police department’s decision to disband its plainclothes anti-crime unit.

Since the disbanding of the plainclothes unit on Monday, there have been 28 shooting incidents with 38 victims, compared to only 12 during the same week last year, according to the New York Post.

The most recent reported shooting on Friday afternoon left a 27-year-old man dead from multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, face, and leg.

Overall, there have been 97 shootings this month so far, compared to 89 in the entire month of June 2019.

The plainclothes unit, which consisted of about 600 officers, was disbanded as part of an effort to reform the department following protests and riots in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

“This is 21st-century policing,” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a press conference. “We must do it in a manner that builds trust between the officers and the community they serve.”

“Thankfully, here in New York City, angry demonstrations have turned peaceful. Thoughtful discussions about reform have emerged. We welcome reform, but we also believe that meaningful reform starts from within.”

Some police officers were unhappy with Shea’s decision, including Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch, who said the unit is effective at preventing crime.

“Anti-Crime’s mission was to protect New Yorkers by proactively preventing crime, especially gun violence,” Lynch said in a statement. “Shooting and murders are both climbing steadily upward, but our city leaders have decided that proactive policing isn’t a priority anymore. They chose this strategy. They will have to reckon with the consequences.”

Police departments across the country have been heavily scrutinized following the death of George Floyd, and calls for defunding police departments have gained momentum and have been approved by city leaders in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York City.

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