Summary:

NYPD reports a significant increase in teenage shooting deaths in NYC in 2024.
The rise in violence is linked to perceived loopholes in the "Raise the Age" laws.
Legal secrecy surrounding youth arrests for serious crimes is a major concern.
NYPD advocates for accountability for teens involved in lethal violence, not for minor offenses.
Increased collaboration between the NYPD, DA's office and the court system is crucial to curb this issue.

NYC Teen Shooting Surge: NYPD Blames Legal Loopholes

New York City is experiencing a sharp rise in teenage shooting deaths in 2024. The NYPD attributes this increase to the "Raise the Age" laws, specifically citing the lack of accountability for teens arrested for serious crimes. According to NYPD Chief of Crime Control Strategies Michael Lipetri, these laws shroud some arrests in secrecy, preventing them from appearing on a teen's record.

The Impact of Raise the Age Laws

Chief Lipetri argues that the current system allows teens involved in violent crimes, including gun possession, to be released back into potentially dangerous situations. This lack of consequences, he believes, contributes to a cycle of violence, putting these teens at risk of becoming either perpetrators or victims of further gun violence.

He points to a case where seven teens, all with open cases in youth Supreme Court, highlighting the severity of the issue and the dangers faced by these youth.

NYPD's Concerns

The NYPD's concern isn't about prosecuting teens for minor offenses. Instead, they emphasize the need for accountability for those involved in serious, potentially lethal violence. Chief Lipetri highlights the alarming statistics: 15 teenagers under 18 murdered by gunfire year-to-date, compared to 12 in 2023; 438 teens arrested for firearm possession this year (a 12% increase since 2018). These numbers paint a grim picture of escalating violence among NYC's youth.

The NYPD is struggling to counteract this issue, with efforts to engage at-risk youth often proving insufficient. They stress the need for collaboration with other agencies, including the DA's office and the court system, to enforce consequences for serious youth crimes and break the cycle of violence.

Source: amNY