Quality Policing Podcast and Blog

Class cancelled

Fewer police is not a good option. If anything is “shovel ready,” the next NYPD academy class sure is! Too bad it’s not going to happen.

New Drug Czar

Do I have faith in any drug czar? No. But who knows. Maybe I’m wrong. This guy is interesting. Especially because of the “jaywalking incident” that got him a vote of no confidence from the police union.

Latin American Panel: Drug War Failing, Honest Debate Needed

The drug war has failed, and its repressive policies are having negative consequences in Latin America, a 17-member commission said today. The Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy, co- chaired by former presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil, Cesar Giviria of Colombia, and Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico called for an “open and honest debate”…
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Cali must free 58,000 inmates

Read the story by Denny Walsh in the Sacramento Bee here.

“You cannot call 911 because you’re unhappy with your burger”

But the truth you can call 911 because you’re unhappy with your burger, or for any other dumb reason. That’s part of the problem. The AP reports: Authorities said a man, 66, was arrested after calling 911 on Saturday to complain that a fast food restaurant ran out of lemonade. After a drive-through employee failed…
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Broken Windows Works

Researchers, working with police, identified 34 crime hot spots. In half of them, authorities set to work – clearing trash from the sidewalks, fixing street lights, and sending loiterers scurrying. Abandoned buildings were secured, businesses forced to meet code, and more arrests made for misdemeanors. Mental health services and homeless aid referrals expanded. In the…
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Was that all a dream? Or Baltimore?

My wife, a friend, and I were on the 10:05 train to Baltimore this morning. Twelve hours and one Bull & Oyster Roast later, we’re back in New York City. It’s a shame we couldn’t stay longer, but a good time was had by all. On the menu: About 2 1/2 dozen delicious Maryland Oysters.…
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A story of 6 immigrants

I hate anti-immigrant people. Really. And I don’t hate easily. No, we’re not full. Just think of all the depopulated cities in this country. Those are the places that need people: Baltimore, St. Louis, Detroit, Camden, South Dakota. The list goes on and on. The very least we could bring these places back up sustainable…
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One man. No vote.

Prison-based gerrymandering.

Drug free ain’t gonna be

The New York Daily News has a story about police raids in the Queensbridge Homes. 59 people arrested in a “lengthy undercover probe” that “brought down an extensive drug-dealing operation. Interesting, I thought. And not just because I live nearby and often ride my bike past The Bridge. No, it rang a bell. Ah, yes,…
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