Zero Tolerance Policing in New York

• In Event: New Policing Strategies

Abstract

Zero Tolerance Policing (ZTP), developed from Broken Windows Theory by sociologist James Q. Wilson and criminologist George L. Kelling, holds that minor crime and other signs of social disorder when ignored will escalate. Early intervention through aggressive policing to stop misdemeanors and public order offenses will prevent and reduce felonies. The most prominent example of ZTP has been in William J. Bratton’s NYPD Crime Control Model, which greatly enhanced use of field interrogations to increase intelligence, deter and apprehend offenders, and enhance the citizenry’s sense of security. Timely and accurate intelligence is obtained through stop-and-frisk, interrogation, decentralization of command structure, rapid deployment of personnel, agency cooperation, and COMSTAT. In 2013 New York City had 334 murders, down from 2,245 in 1990, an 85% reduction. Critics charge that ZTP does not fix broken windows. Instead it attacks poor and minority citizens by violating their rights and interfering with community policing.
Commissioner Bratton has stated that “We can have it both ways”: to reduce crime and use the police to improve relations with minorities. Critics believe that ZTP violates civil liberties of minorities and creates more distrust. Some have said that ZTP is an example of racism and fascism.

Author

• Michael Fischer, Norfolk State University