The Brooklyn police are concerned about the increase in contact crimes in their area.
Spokesperson Captain Collete Weilbach said many of the assaults occurred within families or in the workplace. This often causes a headache for the police.
“In most cases, the individuals involved know each other. They open cases against each other and sometimes both of them get arrested,” she said.
Weilbach urged complainants to think twice before making emotional decisions and involving the police in minor conflicts.
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An accused person in an assault case could get a criminal record, Weilbach explained.
This could negatively impact their future, as it might count against them in finding employment or being promoted.
It could also prevent them from travelling outside the country.
Weilbach said companies needed to assist their employees with conflict and anger management programmes.
“Many of these cases can be resolved internally through grievance processes,” she said.
Weilbach shared some cases that had been reported to the police.
A case was reported where a manager assaulted a worker after he did not adhere to instructions.
In another incident, two workers fought over loaned money that was not paid back.
In one particularly bizarre case, a worker flung a bowl with cracked eggs at a colleague after a fight over a dirt bin.
Weilbach said most assaults could be avoided with better judgement, self-control and anger management.
“The golden rule is to walk away from any heated argument, as it may turn violent. Violence is not a solution and there are better ways of settling arguments.”
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The Brooklyn police arrested 151 people last month, among them three for assault.
“The cases are sent to prosecutors to decide whether or not to prosecute.”
Weilbach was happy to report that property crimes such as burglaries and theft had declined in the previous month, although more effort was still required to bring this down even further.
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