Yale Students Receive Crime Survival Guides from Police Union, Dubbed 'Grim Reaper'

Yale Police Union Distributes Grim Reaper Flyers to Incoming Students

Yale University's police union distributed flyers to incoming students that featured a crime "survival guide" with the Grim Reaper on it. The guide warns students about the high crime rates in New Haven, Connecticut, where the university is located. The flyer's message, accompanied by a picture of a skull in a Grim Reaper hood, wishes students "good luck" in dealing with the crime.

High Crime Rates in New Haven, Connecticut

According to a flyer from the Yale Police Benevolent Association, the crime and violence rates in New Haven are alarmingly high and are on the rise. The flyer is reminiscent of the notorious "Welcome to Fear City" flyers distributed by the NYPD during the crime-ridden era of 1970s New York City.

Significant Increase in Crime

According to the police union, there has been a significant increase in crime in New Haven. Murders have doubled, burglaries are up by 33%, and car thefts have increased by 56% in the seven months leading up to July 23. The city spokesman confirmed the accuracy of these statistics. However, a flyer mentioned that despite the crime surge, some residents of New Haven, including Yale University students, have managed to stay safe and keep their personal property intact.

Police Union's Safety Advice

The police union has issued a warning to students, advising them to avoid being out on the streets after 8 p.m., not to walk alone, avoid using public transportation, and stay on campus. This safety advice has been criticized by city and Yale officials, who have condemned the police union for distributing alarming flyers to incoming students.

Yale University Denounces Flyers as "Misinformation"

Yale University officials have denounced flyers distributed by the Yale Police Union as "misinformation" and "disturbing and inflammatory." The flyers were handed out to Yale students during their move-in process at residential colleges. The university is currently in contract negotiations with the police union.

Inaccurate Information Regarding Crime Rates

Yale officials have strongly criticized the spread of inaccurate information regarding crime rates on campus. The school has stated that both robberies and burglaries have decreased in both the campus and the city of New Haven. The most commonly reported crime on campus is the theft of unattended and unsecured items such as laptops, cell phones, and motorized scooters.

Support for Union Members' Right to Rally

Yale University has expressed its support for the right of union members to peacefully rally. However, the university criticized a recent leafleting activity, stating that it went against the spirit of the day and took away from the commendable work done by Yale Police officers, Public Safety team members, and the New Haven Police Department.

Criticism from New Haven Mayor

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker has criticized a flyer that claims crime is on the rise in the city. He called the flyer "totally offensive" and stated that it spreads false and scary information. The mayor pointed out that crime has actually decreased in New Haven since 2020, contrary to the claims made in the flyer. The city's spokesperson, Speiller, supported the mayor's statement, explaining that certain data points can be cherry-picked to create a misleading narrative.

Controversial Pamphlets in 1970s New York City

In the 1970s, New York City distributed pamphlets to tourists advising them to stay away from the city due to its high levels of crime. The pamphlets received widespread criticism despite the city's reputation for being dangerous at the time.