Last year the Bronx set records not just for the borough but for the state, with felony conviction rates at an all time low of 43%. Every other borough had rates of 70% or higher, and attorneys believe the numbers can be attributed to the high arrest rates in the borough. The ">Wall Street Journal noted the closing statement of defense attorney Seann Riley, who said,"To [police], getting a guilty verdict would mean they've done a good job. An acquittal would mean they didn't do a good job," and added the police "have a motive to lie." (Riley's client was acquitted.)
Justifications for the disproportionately low numbers put the blame on everyone from cops to jurors. Former Bronx prosecutor Eugene O'Donnell says the historically high tensions between cops and the community in the Bronx may have contributed. "There's no doubt that with [conviction rate] numbers like that you've got some Bronx juries that say 'guilty' mentally, but let the guy walk anyway." Bronx juror Fredina Renee said the acquittal of her case wasn't about the police, but rather "about the evidence. I think right away [in deliberations] everyone kind of thought there needed to be more proof than there was." Also, the numbers may not actually be that low. Bronx DA assistant Anthony Schepis said the conviction rate was closer to 90% when factoring in plea deals.
Crime in the Bronx is down since the last decade, but has been on the rise again since last year. There have been 33 murders in the borough so far this year, as compared to 26 at this time last year, and rape is up 18.2% as well. However, total crime is down 26.86% since 2001.
