Improving Crime Report for End of First Quarter of 2023
Metropolitan Crime Commission continues to report improving news
Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche appeared on Newell Normand’s radio show this morning with this commentary on Interim NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork’s performance during her first 100 days:
“She’s done an admirable job since she’s been here. You can’t ignore the results. This year versus last year… homicides are down 8%, shootings down 2%, carjackings down 53%, and armed robbery is down 10%. We have even fewer police officers today than we had at this point last year, and she’s still finding a way to bring these numbers down. I attribute that to the fact that she’s doing things differently than the prior administration and it’s starting to show results. Just imagine what could be accomplished if we had an adequately staffed police department. So for her first 100 days, I give her an A.”
We all certainly welcome this improving crime outlook in our city and give credit wherever it is due!
As of April 2, 2023:
Homicide Victims: 68
-Five homicide victims in the past week, with 4 of the 5 occurring over a 24-hour period (March 28-29).
-This is an 8% decrease compared with 2022, when we’d had 74 homicides as of April 2.
-The 2023 total includes at least 2 negligent, 2 vehicular, and 2 justified. These will NOT be included in the final “murder” total.
Nonfatal Shooting Incidents: 116
-There have been approximately 162 victims of nonfatal gunshot injuries in 2023, though this number is subject to change as investigations progress.
-At the same time in 2022, there had been 112 shooting incidents and approximately 151 nonfatal shooting victims.
–Three shooting victims last week were injured on Bourbon Street by a single bullet that shattered on impact, hitting numerous bystanders.
Carjacking Incidents: 51
-Carjacking incidents have decreased by 53% compared with the same time in 2022 – this is the largest decrease we have seen in any major violent crime compared with 2022.
Armed Robbery: 121
-Reported armed robbery is down 10% relative to 2022.
-12 incidents in the past week, eight in the same week last year.
–Armed robbery continues to show a great deal of stability, across both weeks (Weeks 1-13) and years (2019-2023).
We remain ever-grateful to the fine people of the Metropolitan Crime Commission.