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Has Crime Decreased During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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COVID-19 Impacts on Crimes

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate the lives and wellbeing of millions of Americans. To help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, city officials have been forced to make drastic decisions such as imposing stay-at-home orders, civil penalties for violating safety regulations, and releasing low-level offenders from correctional facilities. With this in mind, many people wondered how the release of such inmates would affect crime rates in New Jersey.

While it is easy to assume that crime rates have increased upon the release of prisoners, statistics reveal that the commission of certain crimes have increased while others have decreased. To better understand this, let’s take a look at the numbers:

  • The FBI reports that the number of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses increased 14.8%, and aggravated assault offenses were up 4.6% between January and June of 2020
    • The Bureau also reports an overall decrease in property crimes in all city population groups, which may be attributed, in part, to stay-at-home orders
  • Major cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Chicago have seen a 30% drop in crime
  • The Gun Violence Archive recorded 13,261 homicides, murders, and unintentional gun-related deaths as of Sept. 28, 2020, which is nearly 90% of the total related fatalities recorded for 2019 altogether
  • Newark reported 12 fewer violent crimes per 100,000 residents between March 16 and April 12, compared to the same time period as 2019
  • Trenton reached a record-high number of homicides in a single year in 2020, totaling 39 so far

We Are Here for You During Challenging Times

For about 9 months, millions of Americans have had to dramatically alter their lifestyles to accommodate the public health threats of COVID-19, pushing them to their breaking points. No one could prepare for the life-changing impacts of the pandemic and, as a result, countless families are suffering personally, professionally, socially, and financially.

Our attorneys are compassionate to this brutal reality and understand that the pandemic may bring out the worst in people. Thus, if you are facing criminal charges, do not wait around or else your situation may get worse. Instead, contact our experienced Bergen County criminal defense expert at the Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC to discuss your situation and receive sound legal advice. Call (201) 574-7919 now!

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