Is Paris Safer Than New York?

By Robert Palmer

Paris and New York are two of the most iconic cities in the world, with millions of tourists visiting each year. While both cities have a lot to offer in terms of culture, food, and entertainment, many people wonder which city is safer.

Crime Rates
According to recent statistics, Paris has a slightly higher crime rate than New York. In 2019, Paris had a crime rate of 69.2 per 1,000 people, while New York had a crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people. However, it’s important to note that these numbers can be misleading.

Types of Crime
The types of crimes committed in each city are different. In Paris, pickpocketing and purse-snatching are more common than violent crimes like assault or homicide. On the other hand, New York has a higher rate of violent crimes like robbery and homicide.

Police Presence

Both cities have a strong police presence to ensure public safety. In Paris, there are two main police forces: the Police Nationale and the Gendarmerie Nationale. The Police Nationale is responsible for law enforcement in urban areas like Paris while the Gendarmerie Nationale covers rural areas and smaller towns.

In New York City, the NYPD (New York City Police Department) is responsible for law enforcement across all five boroughs. With over 36,000 officers and staff members, it’s one of the largest police departments in the world.

Terrorism

Terrorism is a concern in both Paris and New York due to their high-profile status as major global cities. In recent years both cities have been Targeted by terrorist attacks.

Paris faced several terrorist attacks between 2015 and 2017 including the Charlie Hebdo shooting in January 2015 and the November 2015 attacks that killed 130 people. New York City has also been Targeted by terrorists, most notably the September 11 attacks in 2001 that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Conclusion

So, is Paris safer than New York? The answer is not clear-cut.

While Paris has a slightly higher crime rate overall, the types of crime committed are different in each city. Both cities have a strong police presence and are relatively safe for tourists. However, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings when traveling to any major city.