LIT 11 - Greene, Zero Tolerance Flashcards
What was the goal of the police reforms introduced in New York City by William Bratton and Mayor Rudy Giuliani? Greene
The police reforms, known as “zero-tolerance” policing, were intended to reduce crime in the city. They resulted in a dramatic decrease in the city’s crime rate.
What was the strategic focus of the zero tolerance reforms? Greene
The reforms focused on “zero tolerance” - going after the kinds of “quality-of-life” issues that he perceived bothered law-abiding citizens in their daily campaigns.
What were some of the tactics used in the zero-tolerance policing strategy? Greene
Police targeted minor offenses such as fare evasion, public drinking and urination, turnstile jumping, and sleeping in public. This was based on the “broken windows” theory.
What is the “broken windows” theory? Greene
This theory promotes the idea that if minor offenses are not suppressed, disorderly behavior will frighten citizens, attract predatory criminals, and lead to more serious crimes
How did Bratton change the organizational structure of the NYPD? Greene
Bratton introduced a hierarchical, zero-tolerance strategy within the NYPD. He decentralized authority and technology decisions, speeding up the management of tools, techniques, and technology at lightning speed. Power moved from headquarters to the precincts and borough commands.
What was the impact of the zero-tolerance policing strategy on crime rates? Greene
The mayor’s management report asserts that New York City accounted for 32 percent of the overall drop in FBI Index Crimes in the first half of 1993. From 1993 to 1997, the number of felony complaints in New York City dropped by 44.3 percent. The largest increase in civilian complaints associated simply with “routine patrol contacts”—that is, civilian complaints where no arrest was made or summons issued involving a sudden and sharp increase.
What were some of the negative consequences of zero-tolerance policing? Greene
There were increases in legal filings of new civil rights claims against the police for abusive conduct, indicating that the problem of police brutality was getting worse
What is an alternative policing approach to zero tolerance? Greene
San Diego implemented a neighborhood policing model in the late 1980s. This approach emphasizes creating problem-solving partnerships between police and the community, fostering connections between police and community members, and tapping public and private agencies for resources to help solve problems.
What are the key differences in outcomes between zero-tolerance policing in New York and neighborhood policing in San Diego? Greene
Misdemeanor arrests rose by 40 percent in New York City between 1993 and 1997, while they fell by 15 percent in San Diego during the same period.
