Police Forces in Major Democrat-Run Cities Shrink Amid Rising Homicide Rates
Washington, D.C., DC – Major cities governed by Democrats, including New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, Austin, and Washington, D.C., have collectively seen a reduction of about 1,500 law enforcement officers since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Daily Caller News Foundation analysis of Census Bureau data.
Police departments in these cities faced staffing cuts amid persistently high homicide rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of nationwide calls for police reform following George Floyd’s death.
Portland, for example, saw its police force decrease by 183 officers from 2019 to 2023, coinciding with a 140% increase in its homicide rate. The city’s decision to cut police funding by $15 million in 2020 correlated with an 83% rise in homicides that year.
In Washington, D.C., budget reductions led to 113 fewer officers on staff in 2023 compared to 2019, while the city experienced a 72% spike in its homicide rate over the same period.
New York City, despite having the largest police department in the country, lost 843 officers between 2019 and 2023, contributing to a homicide rate that remains 23% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Los Angeles and Austin also witnessed reductions in police staffing, with Los Angeles seeing a 242-member decrease and Austin losing 104 officers between 2019 and 2023. Both cities reported significant increases in homicide rates during this period.
The impact of these staffing reductions and rising crime rates has prompted criticism and political responses, including efforts to restore funding in some cities. However, challenges persist as cities navigate public safety concerns amid evolving community expectations and ongoing crime trends.