Statement From Senator Malcolm A. Smith

"I would like to applaud Commissioner Ray Kelly and the NYPD for focusing their attention and resources on reducing shootings and homicides City-wide. Their hard work paid off as crimes of that nature are down nearly 21% compared to this time last year.

The decrease in crime can also be attributed to programs like Operation SNUG and the Gun Buy-Back Program. It is imperative that we continue to fund programs such as these and continue to rid our streets of illegal guns.
 
For every gun that is turned in, another life is being saved.
 
For every SNUG Program that is funded, another young person is being saved from the streets. "