Two months ago, Newark marked the first month with zero homicides in 44 years, according to the City Journal. While many are singing the praised of Police Director Garry McCarthy, others are cautious to connect lowered crime to increased policing. Regardless of the connection, however, the department under McCarthy has gone to great lengths to change things in the city known for its violence.
McCarthy came to Newark from the NYPD in 2006. Many were suspicious of him at the time but were said to be quickly reassured by his seeming dedication to the communities of the city.
Soon after his arrival, changes started happening. McCarthy modeled the new and improved Newark department after the NYPD, borrowing several useful crime fighting techniques from the city. The implementation of Compstat, a tracking system, is said to have improved the awareness of the police to know which neighborhoods needed the most attention.
Surveillance cameras were put up, sonic gunshot detection systems were put in place, and anonymous tip lines were promoted as a way for people to keep their communities safe.
Gun control seems to have been a big part of McCarthy’s administration. Gun buy-backs were held to get firearms off the streets and a new Gun Enhancement Team has been specially trained to dig deeply into any gun crime investigation.
Compared with the department of 5 years ago, the Newark Police Department of today is said to be quite different. Critics state any connection between policing changes and crime rate fluctuations are coincidental, but the improvements are hard to ignore.
All of this attention to crime may mean additional arrests and improved investigations, however. And if you’re on the other side of the fence, a “tough on crime” approach isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Whether you are facing gun charges or drug offenses, you can expect that the New Jersey criminal courts will take your case very seriously.
Call me today if you are unsure of what the charges against you mean. I can give you some legal advice and we can discuss how I might be able to help.