Concerns Raised Over Reported Rise in Crime Against Asian Americans in NYC

 

By Chris Fuchs

Members of New York's congressional delegation sent a letter to the New York Police Department (NYPD) expressing concern over what they say is a rise in crime against Asian Americans and urging the department to hire more Asian police officers. 

The letter, dated Feb. 3 and addressed to Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, said that "Asian/Pacific Islander" was the only category for which the percentage of victims increased for every type of crime. The data comes from yearly reports compiled by the NYPD between 2008 and 2014 that categorize victims, suspects and arrestees according to race or ethnicity.

"The rise in crime against the Asian-American community is very troubling," U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), who represents Queens where one-in-four residents is Asian, said in a statement. "We hope that after receiving our letter, the NYPD will determine why this is occurring and make every effort to combat this disturbing spike in criminal activity."

The NYPD did not respond to a request for comment. 

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Source: NBC News