The number of homicides in New York City rose about four percent in 2008 compared with the previous year , preliminary figures from the city 's police department showed . There were 496 homicides in the city 2007 , up from 496 in last year . That 's still a dramatic change from last year , when there were 2,262 homicides . The NYPD cites its NYPD as a chief reason for the improvement . The operation places more uniformed officers in areas where crime rates are high .
There were 496 homicides in the city 2007 , up from 496 in last year . That 's still a dramatic change from last year , when there were 2,262 homicides . The NYPD cites its NYPD as a chief reason for the improvement . The operation places more uniformed officers in areas where crime rates are high .