Hout on felony assault and rape increases, recidivism data

When the data suggests the highest crime areas are changing, we redefine our zones accordingly.

We are proud of our crime fighting successes, but there is more work to do.

In particular, there are two major crime categories that have seen increases this year, felony assault and rape.

Felony assaults are up slightly this year and have been increasing for the past several years.

Approximately 40% of felony assaults are acts of domestic violence.

At Police Commissioner's direction, we have overhauled our approach to domestic violence cases through Domestic Violence Unit, enhancing training, streamlining investigations, and working closely with advocacy groups on behalf of survivors of domestic violence.

The increase in felony assaults year to date has been substantially driven by assaults on public service employees.

More than 50% increase in such assaults compared to the same time last year.

More broadly, we have seen a substantial increase in felony assault recidivism.

The NYPD has made arrests in nearly 80% of felony assault cases this year.

But as of the end of August, a total of 263 individuals have been arrested three or more times for felony assaults, an increase of 205% compared with 2018.

Reports of rape have increased 3.2% this year through August.

This may reflect an increase in reporting.

There is a long history of rapes being underreported, and the department is working hard to encourage survivors to speak with us and to provide them with the support when they do so.

We must close the gap between sexual violence that is occurring and sexual violence that is reported, and we are working towards that goal every day.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today, and we are looking forward to answering any questions you may have.