Police Layoffs May Lead to Increase in Local Crimes
Recent economic struggles have forced cities across New Jersey to make major police force layoffs. According to a news report in The International Business Times, these layoffs will result in substantial costs to residents and an increase in criminal activity. The five cities included in the study are Camden, Irvington, Newark, Paterson and Trenton. The study estimates that in these five cities, the police layoffs are likely to result annually in nine more forcible rapes, 34 more murders, 290 more aggravated assaults, 260 more larcenies, 527 more robberies, 549 more burglaries, and 479 more motor vehicle thefts.
One negative consequence of these types of studies is the way local police forces may react. It is common for the authorities to overcompensate for an increase in criminal activity and to make more arrests in an attempt to combat the problem. When there are fewer officers on the street, it is crucial that they are efficiently utilized.
If you have been charged with a crime you did not commit, it is in your best interest to seek skilled representation right away. Discussing the charges with the authorities when you do not have a New Jersey defense attorney present can be a mistake. It is the goal of the authorities to secure a confession and it is easy for individuals to slip up and say the wrong thing when they are afraid or nervous.
The skilled Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of all New Jersey residents. If you have been wrongfully charged with a crime, please do not hesitate to call our offices at 609-240-0040. We will help you fight the charges and protect your future.
