NYPD Expands Special Victims Unit To Address Rise In Rape Reports
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The NYPD says despite overall crime being down across the city, more rapes are being reported than years past.
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In response, the department is adding 35 new investigators to its Special Victims Unit.
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There were 150 rapes reported last month, up from 118 last January.
In 2018, the city recorded more than 1,700 rapes, compared to just over 1,400 the year before.
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Officials have said the #MeToo movement may have an effect on those numbers, as more people come forward to report the crimes.
Last year, the Department of Investigation released a report saying the SVU was understaffed and under-trained.