Aggravated Assaults Keep Rising in Lawrence

 

 

By: Tom Duggan – November, 2010

LAWRENCE, MA: Reductions in the Lawrence Police Department continue to negatively impact crime in that City. Aggravated assaults climbed 94% for the months of July-September 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.

“The loss of 41 police officers and the dismantling of the various specialty units in the past year continues to plague my City,” said District “F” City Councilor Marc Laplante. “Escalating violence remains a critical concern, and the protection of our citizens has become compromised.”

Aggravated assault is defined as “the crime of physically attacking another person and causing serious bodily harm; or assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon such as a gun, knife, ax, or blunt instrument. Aggravated assault is usually a felony, punishable by a term in state prison.” (Source: www.nolo.com)

In 2009, there were 81 incidents of aggravated assault between July and September. In 2010, there were 157 incidents of aggravated assaults for the same period.

“The upticking trend of aggravated assaults continues to shine a bright light on the impact of our police cuts,” said Laplante. “The City needs to re-prioritize its spending and chase the resources that will return the Lawrence Police Department to adequate numbers. Nothing short of restaffing our police department will address the growing aggravated assault problem.”