Murders are spiking across the United States. Even though homicides have declined steadily for the past several years, that all changed in 2015. Around the country, more than 30 cities reported shocking and inexplicable increases in murder. In some cases, like in St. Louis, murders are up as much as 60 percent.
Given some of the national unrest surrounding the use of force by police, an increase in violence may not be surprising. In fact, some law enforcement officials suggested to The New York Times that increased scrutiny of police departments have “made officers less aggressive and emboldened criminals.” Ultimately, no one is claiming to know for sure.
