NYC: arrests down 66% amid unrest

[shenmue]

Story here

From the article:

Arrests in New York City are down 66% amid increasing tensions between police unions and the mayor since two officers were shot and killed on duty.

Citations for low-level and traffic offences have dropped by more than 90% compared with the same week a year ago.

[Rex]

1. Labor unrest can be dirty when it comes to dealing with cops.

And it sounds like the NYPD wrote the book on how to shakedown a city for money. Yet, no civil unrest reported in the streets? No crumbling society or anarchy in the streets of NYC? How can that be? NYPD promises without cops, there is no civilization! Could they about to be proven wrong?

This might just backfire on NYPD cops and now people can see what a revenue racket they have going for the city coffers. Those dummies just don't seem to know how to do anything right! What stupid shit are they going to do next that will backfire on them?

[branford]

2. I wrote the following on another thread on this topic.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6024036

The police know exactly what they're doing and who'll face the worst consequences. I doubt the arrest reductions are occurring in any areas where it would be negatively perceived by the residents. I wish the rest of the labor movement was as bold, ingenious, and shrewd.

The safety of New York City residents, workers and tourists will not be demonstrably affected by the lack of enforcement of ticketing offenses like traffic and parking violations or laws against things like public urination. Additionally, those protesters who believe that the police will not make any arrests, could face very unwelcome surprises.

These minor citations, however, represent a large and very important source of income for the City. The police will be paid regardless of of whether the city's income declines, as it is guaranteed by their contracts. Matters like social services and support for poor communities, politically important individuals and areas for a liberal Mayor deBlasio, will not be as lucky and could feel the pinch. Conservative, largely white and even well to do liberal communities, where the police remain popular, will hardly notice any police work slow-down.

There is certainly much to complain about concerning the police unions' conduct, but they are definitely not stupid and their tactics are honed by years of experience to severely target their political opponents without impacting supporters.

[Live and Learn]

4. Perhaps the city should make up the income loss by taxing the .01%

that have been making the majority of income lately and profiting from all the previous arrests instead of milking those making the least. Seems like a win for the 99.9%

Keep at in NYPD. We don't miss you.

[Sherman A1]

3. Precisely

I don't see how this helped them, but perhaps I am missing something. I have been to NYC a few times in my life and hope never to need to return.