Has 'Ferguson effect' led to increase in violent crime? FBI chief and White House disagree
The White House is clashing with FBI Director James Comey on the relationship between increased scrutiny of police and a rise in violent crime in some cities.
In speeches on Friday and Monday, Comey said he has been told police officers were afraid to get out of their patrol cars because of fears their actions would be caught on video, report the New York Times and the Washington Post. And less aggressive police may be leading to a rise in violent crime, he said.
The “age of viral videos” has altered U.S. policing, Comey said.
In his Monday speech, Comey said he has little evidence to support his theory, but “I do have a strong sense” it’s true.
Some have called the theory linking protests to restrained policing the “Ferguson effect,” a reference to protests over policing in Ferguson, Missouri. According to the Post, the theory offends civil rights groups who disagree that crime rates are linked to protests against police brutality, while also offending police groups offended by the idea that officers are shirking their duties.
White House press secretary, Josh Earnest differed with Comey in response to a reporter’s question on Monday. “The evidence we have seen so far doesn’t support the contention that law enforcement officials are shirking their responsibilities,” he said.
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “Constant filming of police officers is ‘impacting their judgment,’ Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says”
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