Philadelphia Police Shootings Are Up, Though Violent Crime Is Down

The wrong folks have too easy access to guns, all right

The number of violent crimes fell last year in Philadelphia, as did assaults on police officers.

But the number of people shot by police is up.

Way up. 

The number of shootings by police in 2012 resulting in death or injury climbed to the highest level it's been in 10 years. Philadelphia police shot 52 suspects last year while responding to calls for reported crimes. Of those shot, 15 people died.

And the city's own police watchdog says the department hasn't provided a reason for the increase. The Police Advisory Commission has been repeatedly blocked in its efforts to review shootings and, according to the executive director of the Police Advisory Commission, Internal Affairs has refused to supply requested information about any of the shootings.

(Hat tip to Reason commenter Max Power)