Larry Krasner Announces 50 Year Low In City Murders
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced today that the murder rate is about 220 for the year, which, according to Krasner, is a 50-year low. He attributes the decline to his crime-reduction programs.
“Evidence is better as well to secure convictions. We did not have cameras, license plate readers, and GPS tracking with cell phones,” Krasner said. He added that this improved evidence has led to more guilty pleas and convictions.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Larry Krasner shows a display of the falling crime rate.
“That evidence can also point to someone’s innocence,” Krasner added. He referred to statistics supplied by the Philadelphia Police Department. The numbers do not indicate arrests, only police calls for founded incidents.
Shootings are down as well. Krasner lauded the implementation of the Shooting Investigations Group, which investigates all non-fatal shootings. “We now have a department that is responsible for investigating only shootings,” Krasner said, noting his support for the program.
Krasner was joined by Chief Inspector Wilton Singletary of the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as Councilmember Curtis Jones, to urge people to be safe and not do anything reckless tonight for New Year’s Eve.
“Anything you shoot up has to come down, and that can come down and hurt or kill someone,” Singletary said. He also encouraged people to use rideshares or taxis if they have been drinking. Police will be out in force tonight for the LL Cool J concert, ensuring that people behave.
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo Delaware Valley News.com, LL Cool J will be in concert tonight.
Private security will search attendees for weapons, drugs, or other contraband items. Gates to the show open at 6:00 p.m., with the concert beginning at 8:00 p.m. Alcohol is not permitted inside the concert grounds.
There will be a fireworks show before the concert at 6:00 p.m. and again immediately following the show. The Mummers Parade will also be tomorrow as well.