POLICY COMMITMENT

Broken Windows Policing

“Broken Windows enforcement is really about controlling
behavior to such an extent you change it: If you deal with the
little things, you can keep them from going into the big things.”

— John H. Richardson

"What I've Learned: NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton," Esquire, September 10, 2016

NYC’s district attorneys refuse to enforce quality-of-life crimes, making our city more
dangerous. As Mayor, I’ll act where they won’t. I’ll launch a task force to crack down on these offenders, create a broken-windows court for swift accountability. Even when arrested for petty crimes, dangerous offenders will stay in jail through a local bail reform law.

For decades, enforcing quality-of-life laws in NYC helped deter more serious offenses. The “Broken Windows” approach—cracking down on fare evasion, vandalism and public disorder—proved that those committing minor infractions were often wanted for more serious crimes. Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton drove home the success of Broken Windows in bringing in serious criminals. “As it turns out, those who carried weapons and were wanted on warrants rarely bothered to pay the fare,” he said. “By arresting those skipping the turnstiles, we could ensure that these serious criminalswould no longer offer a threat to passengers.”

Yet today, NYC’s district attorneys are failing to enforce these laws, letting lawlessness thrive. As Mayor, I will not stand by
while crime surges because prosecutors refuse to do their jobs. The City Charter gives the Mayor the authority to enforce
the law, and I will use that power.

• A Mayoral Task Force for Enforcement – This task force of officers will work to ensure the law is upheld if DAs won’t
prosecute quality-of-life offenses.

• A Dedicated “Broken Windows” Court – I will establish a specialized municipal court to handle these offenses efficiently,
ensuring repeat offenders face real consequences.

• No Bail for Dangerous Offenders – If an offender poses a threat to the community, they will not be released under
NYC’s misguided bail laws. If Albany won’t fix the problem, NYC will impose our own local bail reform.

If legislators in Albany try to stop me, they can take it to court. I am a damn good litigator, and I will fight for the safety of
New Yorkers.

This is my promise. You have it in writing. Hold me accountable.
Other candidates should commit to this policy. If they refuse, hold them to account.

Jim Walden

Candidate for Mayor