Staff Reports
In a stunning revelation, Democrat-run cities across the country have witnessed a significant decrease in their police forces, leading to a surge in homicide rates post the COVID-19 outbreak. A recent analysis by the Daily Caller News Foundation of Census Bureau data revealed that major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, Austin, and Washington, D.C., governed by Democrats, have collectively witnessed a reduction of around 1,500 law enforcement officers since 2023.
The alarming trend of police department downsizing has coincided with a distressing spike in murder rates, which soared during the pandemic and also in the wake of racial justice movements in the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death. For instance, Portland saw a staggering 140% surge in its homicide rate from 2019 to 2023, amidst a decline in police personnel by 183 officers. The city’s decision to slash police funding by $15 million in response to pressure from activists is now being linked to an 83% increase in homicides.
Dem-Run Cities See Massive Exodus Of Police Officers As Crime Rages On https://t.co/P9AQZkkRej via @dailycaller
— Woodrow Williams (@Woodrow17165268) June 20, 2024
Similarly, Washington, D.C., also bowed to calls for defunding the police, leading to a $15 million reduction in budget and a shrinking police force by 113 officers. The city witnessed a 72% rise in its homicide rate during the same period, prompting criticisms of the Democratic-led council’s handling of public safety. Notably, New York City and Los Angeles, home to some of the largest police departments in the nation, also faced declines in law enforcement personnel and a surge in homicide rates post-pandemic.
Austin, another Democrat-led city, saw its police force decrease by 104 officers as the homicide rate skyrocketed by 76%. The decision to cut the police budget by a third raised concerns about public safety, leading to Republican Governor Greg Abbott deploying state police to assist in handling the staffing shortage. Despite efforts to address the crisis, data showed disparities in arrests, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic residents.
As these cities grapple with the ramifications of reduced police presence and increasing crime rates, the lack of cooperation from the mayor’s offices in providing insights on the situation raises further questions about the efficacy of Democratic leadership in ensuring public safety. The analysis underscores the pressing need for a reevaluation of law enforcement policies and a shift towards prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents in these Democrat-controlled urban centers.
