Strategic denial is not the solution: A comprehensive plan to tackle gun violence in New York City

In a bold move to address the rising issue of gun violence, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, an independent candidate for NYC mayor, has laid out a five-point plan to tackle this pressing concern head-on.

Last week, Cuomo committed to the organisation "Everytown for Gun Safety" to combat street violence through this comprehensive strategy. The plan is grounded in what has worked before and what will work again, aiming to restore safety to neighbourhoods affected by gun violence.

The immediate problem of gun violence in New York City is both structural and immediate, involving gangs, guns, unemployment, disinvestment, and hopelessness. However, Cuomo believes that gun violence is not inevitable but the result of choices, and that the city can once again feel safe.

The strategy to combat gun violence includes several key components. Precision policing will focus on targeting areas with high crime rates, while investing in youth and jobs aims to provide opportunities for at-risk individuals, reducing the likelihood of them turning to crime.

Community-based groups like violence interrupters are also a crucial part of the plan. These groups have demonstrated success in saving lives and reducing shootings, particularly in areas like Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, where there has been a spate of shootings recently.

Another aspect of the plan is the implementation of gun buyback programs, which have been effective in removing illegal guns from the streets. Additionally, the plan includes investing $100 million in workforce programs and youth jobs, providing opportunities for young people to build a future free from the grip of crime.

The plan also seeks to rebuild the police ranks by adding 5,000 officers citywide and 1,500 dedicated to transit. This increased presence is intended to provide a stronger police presence and deter crime.

Unfortunately, the issue of gun violence has claimed lives, shattered families, and shaken entire neighbourhoods. A 69-year-old woman was shot and killed in broad daylight while walking down the street, and a mass shooting at a nightclub left three dead and nine injured.

Cuomo's plan is not without controversy, as there is a convergence of willful ignorance from both the extreme right and extreme left regarding gun violence and crime. However, Cuomo remains steadfast in his belief that public safety is job one, and that the city can once again feel safe with the right strategies in place.

The former governor has experience in bringing down spikes in gun violence and pioneering holistic approaches that became national models. He is hopeful that this plan, if implemented effectively, can make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers and restore a sense of safety and security to the city.

Strategic denial is not the solution: A comprehensive plan to tackle gun violence in New York City