Stats enough
Move to split Rikers crime tally from boro’s
EFFORTS to separate Rikers Island crime statistics from those of the South Bronx are gaining ground, giving hope to residents who want their insurance rates to go down.
The state Senate passed a bill on Monday that would prohibit crimes committed in correctional institutions from being included in crime statistics for local precincts.
State Sen. Ruben Diaz introduced the measure after the Daily News reported about the plight of Hunts Point and Longwood residents, whose auto and homeowners insurance premiums are inflated by the inclusion of Rikers Island crime stats in the totals logged by the 41st Precinct.
“This is something that needs to change,” said Diaz (D-Morrisania). “For the sake of all Bronx residents, we need to show people that these crimes are not a part of the Bronx.”
A change in the way felony assaults were reported by Correction Officers on Rikers last November led to an increase in crimes re- ported earlier this year in the 4-1.
Nearly 49% of the 721 felony assaults reported in the precinct in 2013 actually took place in the East River penal complex.
“As a result, crimes committed in Rikers Island have resulted in inflated insurance rates for South Bronx homeowners,” Diaz said.
Most major insurance agencies take long-term crime trends into account when calculating premiums.
The senator is calling on his colleagues in the Assembly to pass the bill and send it to Gov. Cuomo before the legislative session ends June 19.
Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (D-Soundview), who is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly, said there could be a way to separate the stats, even if the measure fails to gain passage.
“Our main concern is addressing the problem,” Crespo said. “And our talks with the NYPD have been very constructive and promising as far as an administrative solution.”
A police source familiar with the situation acknowledged the talks between the NYPD, the Department of Corrections and local officials.
The 400-acre colony, which consists of 10 jails and averages about 12,000 inmates, is accessible only via a bridge from Queens and its location falls within the boundaries of Queens City Council and community board districts.
The City Charter, however, classifies the island as a part of the Bronx.
Talks would continue if the bill does not get signed into law, a police spokesman said.