The article critiques New York's approach to crisis management, emphasizing the need for housing and support services instead of policing. Despite declining crime statistics, Governor Hochul highlights perceptions of safety as a driving force behind increased police presence in subways. The NYPD's vast budget is questioned in light of its failure to address core issues like mental health and housing shortages. The author argues that funds should be redirected to supportive systems that promote long-term stability, rather than maintaining a cycle of punishment.
What New Yorkers in crisis need is housing and wrap around services, which offer long-term stability instead of an endless, involuntary shuffle. Without any real support either inside or outside of psych institutions to address root causes, no one is getting any healthier or safer.
Statewide, crimes are down...Shootings are down. But it's all about perception... crime rates in New York are 'not statistically significant, but psychologically significant.'
There's little evidence these tough-on-crime tactics actually increase safety, but as Hochul might say, safety isn't the point. The appearance of safety is.
For decades, communities have been spending extravagantly on their own punishment instead of investing in life-affirming fundamentals like education, housing, jobs, and healthcare.
Collection
[
|
...
]