Dr Isaac Weisfuse
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Deputy Commissioner
Division of Disease Control
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
125 Worth Street Room 331,
Box 28
New York,
NY 10013
E-mail:
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Abstract:
Isaac B Weisfuse and Susan Wilt
Background: Homicides in New York City decreased precipitously over the course of the 1990s.
Objectives: To describe more recent trends in New York City homicides and to explore potential reasons behind these findings.
Methods: Review of New York City death certificates with homicide listed as cause of death. Review of public health and criminology literature on homicide trends.
Results:
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1990-1994
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1995-1999
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2000-2003*
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Δ90-99 (%)
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Δ00-03 (%)
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Total
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10,077
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4,344
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2,655
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-227
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-8.7
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Gender
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Male
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8,640
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3,501
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2.154
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-245
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-9.5
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Female
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1,437
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943
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501
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-144
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-5.0
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Age Group
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15-24
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3,321
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1,349
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744
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-255
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+3.9
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25-34
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3,374
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1,226
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782
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-309
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-11.0
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* Only four years of data available
Conclusions: The greatest decline in homicides occurred in the early 1990s, with the number of recent overall homicides in most demographic categories having reached a plateau, with the exception of 15-24 year olds which had a slight increase. Potential reasons for these findings will be discussed.
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Biographical Notes:
Isaac B. Weisfuse is currently Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. He received his BA from Columbia University, and his MD from the State University of New York at Downstate. Dr. Weisfuse is board certified in Internal Medicine. He began his public health career at the Centers for Disease Control as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer. Since 1987, he as worked in public health in New York City at the Health Department. His current responsibilities include prevention and control of communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, TB, and STDs, as well as emergency preparedness, and public health laboratory services.
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