Criminals have been hit with nearly 25% more injuries at the hands of police officers so far this year, newly released NYPD data shows.
From Jan. 1 to March 31, 1,131 offenders citywide were hurt by cops using force against them, compared to 913 during the same period in 2023.
However, New York’s Finest have also suffered 7% more injuries while battling lawbreakers through the first quarter in 2024 (1,342-1,251).
The shocking “Use of Force” stats further reveal a 20% rise in the number of violent encounters between cops and suspects overall — 2,590 so far this year compared to 2023.
The use of a weapon came into play on 19 occasions in the first quarter of 2024, and firearms were involved 10 times.
The surge in scuffles this year is the result of both sides becoming more emboldened, Michael Alcazar, a retired NYPD detective and John Jay College adjunct professor, told The Post.
“Criminals seem to fight officers back and be more resistant than they did in the past. They have no fear of repercussions because of bail reform,” Alcazar said, and added that “there’s a lack of respect for police officers in this current climate.”
Additionally, the switch-up in NYPD leadership last summer has led to a more motivated police force, according to Alcazar.
In July, Edward A. Caban was sworn in as NYPD Commissioner, replacing Keechant Sewell after she suddenly resigned from the role.
“The new administration is empowering police officers and encouraging them to make more arrests, and letting them know that they’re going to get the support from the commissioner, their chiefs. So they’re making more arrests, and maybe being more aggressive in doing so,” he said.
The jump in aggressive encounters also comes while the NYPD has been working tirelessly to combat unruly anti-Israel protests almost daily.
Violent encounters with police similarly spiked during the second quarter of 2020, which saw out-of-control riots in the name of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.
During that period, 918 cops sustained injuries and 673 subjects were hurt.
Even compared to this chaotic period, however, there have been 46% more officer injuries and 68% more perp injuries so far in 2024.
