• U.S.

New York Police Chief Defends ‘Broken Windows’ Policing

2 minute read

The New York Police Department issued a 41-page report Thursday attributing the city’s low levels of crime to the so-called “broken windows” strategy.

The year-long investigation defends the practice of misdemeanor arrests, Reuters reports — but New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said on Thursday he would reform the practice of focusing on lower-level crimes, which has been called discriminatory by civil rights groups.

“We need a new form of quality-of-life broken windows policing,” he said.

The broken windows theory of policing holds that cracking down on petty crimes such as unruly behavior or vandalism creates a lawful environment that prevents worse crimes from happening. Bratton implemented zero tolerance policies inspired by the theory in New York City during the 1990s, a time when the crime rate dropped precipitously. But critics say that broken windows policing leads to racial profiling and overfilled jails.

The strategy came under scrutiny last summer when Eric Garner died following an incident with NYPD officers in Staten Island. Garner was accused of selling loose cigarettes and was detained by police, setting off weeks of protests over his death.

Similar charges have been made of the Baltimore Police Department following the death of Freddie Gray, who was detained after “making eye contact” with officers and running away. Gray, who died on April 19 from a severed spine, was carrying a switchblade.

[Reuters]

See Protests Against Police Violence Across the U.S. After Freddie Gray's Death

Demonstrators march to protest the death of Freddie Gray, in Philadelphia on April 30, 2015.
Demonstrators march to protest the death of Freddie Gray, in Philadelphia on April 30, 2015.Mark Makela—Getty Images
Demonstrators march in Baltimore on April 29, 2015.
Demonstrators march in Baltimore on April 29, 2015. Eric Thayer—Reuters
New York Police Department officers detain a protester during a march through the Manhattan borough of New York City on April 29, 2015.
New York Police Department officers detain a protester during a march through the Manhattan borough of New York City on April 29, 2015.Lucas Jackson—Reuters
People march in protest against police violence in Boston on April 29, 2015.
People march in protest against police violence in Boston on April 29, 2015. Brian Snyder—Reuters
Protestors hold signs during a protest to support the rallies in Baltimore, in front of the White House in Washington on April 29, 2015.
Protestors hold signs during a protest to support the rallies in Baltimore, in front of the White House in Washington on April 29, 2015.Alex Brandon—AP
A small but loud group shouts at New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, protesting the governor's decision to send New Jersey state troopers to Baltimore, in New Brunswick, N.J. on April 29, 2015.
A small but loud group shouts at New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, protesting the governor's decision to send New Jersey state troopers to Baltimore, in New Brunswick, N.J. on April 29, 2015. Mel Evans—AP
Protestors and activits hold a rally in front of Chicago Police Headquarters in Chicago on April 28, 2015.
Protestors and activits hold a rally in front of Chicago Police Headquarters in Chicago on April 28, 2015.Rick Majewski—Sipa USA
Cinnamon Burton and Skye Johnson join protesters, in solidarity with Baltimore, marching in front of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. on April 29, 2015.
Cinnamon Burton and Skye Johnson join protesters, in solidarity with Baltimore, marching in front of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M. on April 29, 2015. Jim Thompson—Zuma Press
A demonstrator is arrested by NYPD officers during a protest at Union Square in New York City on April 29, 2015.
A demonstrator is arrested by NYPD officers during a protest at Union Square in New York City on April 29, 2015.Eduardo Munoz Alvarez—AFP/Getty Images
New York City police escort a woman off the street and back onto the sidewalk where she was released during a protest in New York City on April 29, 2015.
New York City police escort a woman off the street and back onto the sidewalk where she was released during a protest in New York City on April 29, 2015.Julie Jacobson—AP
Protestors and activits hold a rally in front of Chicago Police Headquarters to show support for Baltimore in Chicago on April 28, 2015.
Protestors and activits hold a rally in front of Chicago Police Headquarters to show support for Baltimore in Chicago on April 28, 2015.Rick Majewski—Sipa USA

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