New York City police commissioner, mayor announce record-setting crime reduction for 2009

NYPD announces record-setting reduction in crime

NEW YORK — New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Mayor Michael Bloomberg say 2009 is another record-setting year in crime reduction.

New figures released Monday show overall crime in the nation’s largest city is down 11 percent from last year and 35 percent since 2001. Murders are down 11 percent. The only major crime that is rising is felony assault. It’s up 2 percent.

The figures reflect a nationwide trend.

FBI crime figures for the first half of 2009 show crime falling across the country. Murder and manslaughter fell 10 percent for the first half of the year.