Justice at a Crossroads in New York City: Reexamining Crime, Victimization, Enforcement, Incarceration, and Racial Disparities
New York City’s response to crime and violence stands at a pivotal moment. After decades of declining crime and a shrinking criminal legal system, recent years have brought major reforms, social upheaval, and renewed debate about safety, fairness, and enforcement. This project was launched to provide a clear, data-driven picture of where the City has been and where it may be headed. Through this work, we aim to inform the public conversation with facts, and to support policymakers in navigating this complex landscape.
Two parallel reports complete the portrait of how New York City’s criminal legal system has changed from the 1990s to the present.
- The FIRST REPORT analyzes trends based on official data—including summonses, arrests, prosecutions, incarceration, alternatives to incarceration, and racial disparities.
- The SECOND REPORT offers a first-ever analysis of annual victim survey data for New York City on crime victimization—encompassing both reported and unreported crimes and adding information on victims’ perceptions of the police and access to services.
- An EXECUTIVE SUMMARY presents key findings drawn from both reports. Together, these reports offer a comprehensive view of New York City’s changing landscape—and help chart a path forward.
- An ARTICLE published in Translational Criminology (Fall 2025 issue) sums up the major findings, lessons, and implications for future policy of the second above-noted report on crime victimization in New York City.
- Another ARTICLE published in Vital City and authored by Jeremy Travis, Susan Herman, and Preeti Chauhan makes the case for New York City to build on the study’s findings by launching an annual citywide survey of crime victims, with robust measures of victimization, as well as questions exploring why many victims don’t report crimes they experience, their perceptions of law enforcement, and their ability to access services.