This is a map of homicides. A map of muggings or some other crime may show a different trend in the park.
There's this widespread belief that you can't go in the park after dark, since it's /so dangerous/, but apparently statistically that's not the case.
Could that widespread belief perhaps have led to folks deciding not to go to the park after dark, though?
Or am I completely off-base? I'm not from NY (been there twice, and love it), so I have no idea. Do people go to the park after dark pretty regularly?
Re:Interactive NYC Homicide Map
by madmanslitany on Thursday June 18, 2009 @10:57PM
(#664585)
No, I'm pretty sure people don't. In general, I think the attitude is to avoid parks at night. I would imagine that it's hard for police to maintain visibility that well when there's all kinds of bushes and trees in the way, not that much ambient light, and a lot of ground for them to cover.
I have also heard that Central Park has improved tremendously in the past decade.
Re:Interactive NYC Homicide Map
by TallGuyShort on Friday June 19, 2009 @11:03AM
(#665231)
I lived in North Brooklyn from 06 - 08, and in my line of work, was very familiar with the gang activity and homicides that were occurring in the area. There are several homicides that I know for a fact took place that aren't listed on the map. So although it doesn't explain the complete lack of homicides in Central Park - I'm willing to bet that their data is less complete than the say.
The one thing it's missing that would be neat to see is color-by-motive, since one of their motive bins is "Gang." It would be interesting to see if they common beliefs about the location of gang activity also holds any water.
The NY Times has always been hugely impressive in their use of data and web technologies, and this is no exception.