Manhattan DA gives many misdemeanors a pass even as new mayor vows to combat growing crime

Manhattan’s newly sworn-in district attorney reportedly told his staff he does not intend to prosecute several crimes, including resisting arrest. At the same time New York City’s newly sworn-in mayor is pledging to crack down on surging crime.

Alvin Bragg, a former federal prosecutor sworn in as Manhattan District Attorney on Jan. 1, sent guidance to his office calling for the "decriminalization/non prosecution" for crimes including marijuana possession, turnstile jumping, trespassing, resisting arrest, interfering with an arrest and prostitution. 

Additionally, the guidance says the DA’s office will "not seek carceral sentence...