If you want to reduce the crime rate in a major city you do what William Bratton did back when he was the Police Chief of New York city under Mayor Giuliani. It's not Rocket science.
He put more police on the streets on patrolling in pairs, and he increased the number of patrol cars on the streets roaming around and showing a police presence. ALL OF THAT increased a Police presence in the eyes of the communities, and thereby GREATLY DISCOURAGED anyone contemplating getting up to no good.
He also introduced his well known 'no broken window' principle, PLUS there was no sleeping of ANYBODY on the streets, in doorways, or alleys. The city was obliged to provide basic accommodation for anyone who was destitute on the street. In other words, a simple bed, a wash and plate of food.
AND, the police were able to search ANYONE if they thought that it was necessary.
In addition, he would arrive, UNANNOUNCED, at ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR NIGHT, at ANY Police Station to ensure that everything was how it should be. He didn't put up with any CRAP !!
BUT he did support any one of his police men or women should they need it if they came under ANY attack from the "do-gooders" and police critics. In that way he had the full support and the loyalty from those who served under him.
And back then, as a friend of mine informed me who had just visited New York, you could walk anywhere at any time of the day or night, as he did, even if it was in Central Park at 10pm at night ......
Now if a Mayor, or other responsible administrators, are not prepared to provide the necessary funding or support for Bratton's proven methods then let the consequences be on their "chip laden" shoulders .... |
