Bratton Opposes Decriminalizing Low-Level Offenses, But Says 'Broken Windows' Is Evolving
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The City Council earlier this week proposed decriminalizing low-level offenses, and on Friday, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said he does not support such a move.
But as WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported, Bratton said the "broken windows" policing strategy is evolving.
Bratton said he plans to release a report next week on quality of life arrests.
The City Council earlier this month announced a plan in which certain low-level offenses would result in tickets, not arrests.
Bratton Opposes Decriminalizing Low-Level Offenses, But Says 'Broken Windows' Is Evolving
"I think the impression that has been presented is that there were countless people being carted off to jail inappropriately," Bratton said. "In fact, you have to work very hard to go to jail in this city."
Bratton, as the creator of the "broken windows" strategy, said he is opposed to decriminalizing common low-level offenses such as public urination, or having an open container of alcohol.
"It's what made the city safe in the first place and it's what will keep the city safe," the commissioner said.
But Bratton said "broken windows" is an evolving strategy, and said officers can be trained to use their discretion.
Mayor Bill de Blasio is also against the proposal.
"But the fundamental notion of we have to address quality-of-life crimes head-on is one I believe in," de Blasio told reporters, including WCBS 880's Peter Haskell, on Wednesday in the Bronx.
For the mayor, it's simple: Enforcement is working.
"My concern is always to maintain quality-of-life policing because it has driven down crime," the mayor said.
Other offenses that would no longer be criminalized under the City Council proposal include turnstile jumping, bicycling on a sidewalk, being in a park after dark, littering, failing to obey a sign and making excessive noise.
