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.
Watch: NYPD, De Blasio Deliver Monthly Crime Stats Briefing
In response, the department is adding 35 new investigators to its Special Victims Unit.
MORE: NYPD Ramps Up SVU Following Surge In Rape Cases
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.
MORE: Sparks Fly As City Council Puts Pressure On NYPD To Change How It Handles Sex Crimes
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.
