NYPD unveils plans to fight rise in murders

The NYPD's monthly crime statistics briefing showcased some positive news but also a disturbing trend. the murder rate is rising.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner James O'Neill, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and top police brass came together to announce a comprehensive plan to deal with a steep rise in murders.

The NYPD recorded 24 murders in February 2019, up 50 percent from the same month a year ago. The commissioner said the rise in murders is a departure from progress in other crime categories. Overall crime declined by nearly 11 percent.

Chief of Department Terence Monahan said the NYPD will use precision policing, more gun prosecutions, and community-based initiatives like the gang ceasefire program to turn the murder rate around.

Gonzalez said he is working closely with NYPD detectives to make sure they have everything they need to move gun cases along as quickly as possible and, where it makes sense, turn over some of the gun cases to federal prosecutors.