NYPD Battles Crime: Innovative Strategies in Policing

Silverman, Eli B.

ISBN 10: 1555534015 / ISBN 13: 9781555534011

Published by Northeastern University Press, 1999

The book is in good condition with all pages and cover intact, including the dust jacket if originally issued. The spine may show light wear. Pages may contain some notes or highlighting, and there might be a "From the library of" label. Boxed set packaging, shrink wrap, or included media like CDs may be missing. Seller Inventory # BSM.130U6

Synopsis:

In the last five years, New York City has experienced the nation's most dramatic reduction in crime. While the New York Police Department is receiving extensive publicity and praise as the key agent for the sharp decline, many experts downplay the NYPD's role, arguing instead that prevailing social, economic, and demographic conditions are the primary reasons for the unprecedented drop in crime rates.

This timely book informs the debate by detailing how innovative strategies adopted in 1994 by then-police commissioner William Bratton had the immediate and sustained effect of lowering incidents of crime in every city precinct. Eli B. Silverman begins his study with a historical review of the evolution of police reform movements in New York City, showing that the achievements and failures of earlier external and internal initiatives formed the foundation for today's re-engineered NYPD.

Drawing on privileged access to police documents and meetings, he then examines how the dynamic interaction of specific strategic, organizational, and managerial changes redefined the approach to policing, transforming the department from a reactive to a proactive force. In particular, Silverman focuses on Compstat, a sophisticated computer program that compiles crime statistics, as the crucial mechanism for linking the development of new policies with effective tactics to control crime. The up-to-date and accurate information provided by Compstat drives twice-weekly crime strategy meetings that ensure essential planning, coordination, evaluation, and accountability.

NYPD Battles Crime is a fascinating story of organizational change, innovation, and continuity.

About the Author: Eli B. Silverman is Professor of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He lives in Suffern, New York.

Bibliographic Details

Title: NYPD Battles Crime: Innovative Strategies in...
Publisher: Northeastern University Press
Publication Date: 1999
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: good