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A progressive Bronx council member sparked controversy during a public safety hearing by suggesting her constituents request increased police presence due to a lack of awareness about alternative solutions.
During Monday’s meeting, Councilwoman Althea Stevens made this assertion while defending her proposed legislation to dismantle the NYPD’s gang database. “People in my community ask for more cops because they don’t know other solutions,” Stevens stated to NYPD officials.
Stevens represents the 44th Precinct, encompassing the Grand Concourse, Yankee Stadium, and portions of South Bronx – an area that ranked fourth citywide in major felony crimes last year with 3,223 incidents. The district has witnessed a dramatic 41% increase in serious crimes since 2019.
After 4 years of Defund The Police and the resulting crime, chaos and bloodshed—
law-abiding residents of the Bronx are stuck living with the horrifying consequences—
they’re fed up with race-hustling grifters like NYC Councilwoman Althea Stevens. https://t.co/5qMq4Oaodq— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) March 1, 2025
The councilwoman’s remarks drew criticism from fellow council members. One representative told The Post, “It’s never a good look when an elected official downplays the intelligence of their constituents who are pleading for more police. Our job is to listen to the people we represent, and eliminating the gang database while crime and gang activity are on the rise is pure insanity.”
As a member of the Council’s Progressive Caucus, Stevens has consistently advocated for alternative crime-fighting approaches, including the deployment of civilian “violence interrupters” trained in de-escalation techniques. She remained unavailable for comment regarding her statement.
Following Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola’s characterization of the database bill as something from “La La Land,” Stevens attempted to clarify her position to NYPD leadership, stating, “I’m not your enemy. I am about how we come together and think about solutions that benefit everyone and not just some.”
Defund-the-Police NYC Councilwoman Althea Stevens says constituents in her high-crime area want more police because they ‘don’t know’ better!
Stevens’ district falls in the 44th Precinct, including the Grand Concourse, Yankee Stadium, and the South Bronx.https://t.co/bWNgytODvO— Linda Marie Lovison (@lilo623) March 1, 2025
The proposed legislation faces strong opposition from both NYPD leadership and Mayor Eric Adams, who argue it would hamper law enforcement’s ability to apprehend violent offenders and prevent shootings. Currently, the bill has garnered support from only 24 council members, falling short of the 34 signatures required for a veto-proof majority.
