zero tolerance policing

[pjb6282]

Hey everyone,

I am working on writing a paper zero tolerance policing and I am looking for a story/case study on this strategy. I have looked on the internet, at the library, and even emailed the New York Police Department for a story on this. I haven't had any luck. All the stories I have run into are all negative stories about zero tolerance policing. I'm looking for a story that just simply describes a typical arrest a police officer makes under zero tolerance policing. I'm not looking for a negative story about zero tolerance policing, I'm looking for a story that has a positive/neutral outlook on zero tolerance policing. Does anybody know of any stories/ case studies like this?
If so can you steer me in the right direction or tell me the story

Thanks
pjb6282

[Cat_Doc]

I think you have to properly define "zero tolerance policing" a bit better to get a proper response.

If you are talking about "directed patrol" which focuses on a specific problem, with direction from supervisory staff of "zero tolerance" then I could address that. For example, you get multiple complaints of juveniles drinking, breaking beer bottles and fist fights in a mall parking lot. Boss says, "Directed patrol at Bashas #21, zero tolerance, show them we care." No problem, nail their butts for every violation you can find until they catch the drift, cease and desist.

But, to carry a work ethic of "zero tolerance" on every single contact you have takes away the human element and turns us into non-emotional robots who have no discretionary power. Not good.

[Valor55]

Zero tolerance is a BS buzz term that makes chiefs and politicians look good. When it comes down to it there is always some kind of discretion that takes place. Zero tolerance maybe for a truck packed with cocaine but the term is always applied to BS community policing initiatives like abandoned cars or trespassing and there is going to be room for discretion. My state's "Zero Tolerance" under 21 drinking and driving law is .02 BAC and up. If it were zero tolerance .01 would be arrestable but apparently .01 is tolerated.

[pjb6282]

I'm talking about the zero tolerance policing strategy that was formally implemented in New York City under the leadership of William Bratton and Guliani. The strategy that arrested those that committed minor offenses for anything. I know most departments still use this policy informally, but I'm talking about the one that was used by NYC.

thanks

[pjb6282]

so do you have any personal stories that I could use. I'm using the story as an introduction to the paper. I'll even cite you after the story and the works cited age

thanks

[DeltaV]

I'd check out the book "Fixing Broken Windows." I'm not sure of the author, but it's mainly about what you're referring to.

[steelcityk9cop]

Check out Bratton's book.... "Turnaround" You should not have trouble finding it on the web.

[Joeyd6]

It was not "zero tolerance" in NYC. It was based on as stated by others, broken windows theory. We did not run out and arrrest anyone and everyone. We systematically cleaned up the streets. We collared those who were or had potential to be criminals. Not everyone.....and yes....you CAN tell the difference for the most part.

The theory is your arrest the low level criminals and don't stop. Thus, they don't have an opportunityto go on to bigger things. Crime is progressive. Studies have shown very few have gone from John Q. Citizen to bank robber or mass murder (unless they have psychological problems). A guy doesn decide today he will do a robbery. He builds up to....jumping the turnstyle....pick-pocket. steal from CVS, purse snatching and then a robbery. The theory goes through all crimes. Thus you hit them when they start...jumping the style...and prosecute. But it takes more than the cops. The ADA's need to follow through, not plea bargin, and the judegs need to give the full sentance...not teh minium. It is a team effort!

[Legoate]

I know most departments still use this policy informally, but I'm talking about the one that was used by NYC.

thanks

No they dont. Not sure where you get your information but no department I know of "informally" or formally uses a zero tolerance policing policy.

[mcsap]

Zero tolerance is more of an individual officers personal policy and than only involving a certain crime or area of crimes such as DUI's or speeders. For example I have a zero tolerance with DUI's , I will NOT give a drunk driver a break, PERIOD. NO officer practices zero tolerance in every aspect of law enforcement.

I may tell my officers to go to a certain area and do speed enforcement and to write any and all speeders due to citizen complaints. Otherwise, they can go out at their discretion and write/ warn as they can using their discretion.

[pjb6282]

mcsap just described how a police department informally uses the policy. It's not an official policy used by the department. It's a personal policy used by officers, therefore it is informal. Zero tolerance policing was a crime control policy. Broken Windows is not a strategy or a crime control policy. It is simply a theory that explains crime. It does not tell us how to fix the crime problem. That's what zero tolerance policing was for. New York City formally adopted this strategy like most police departments throughout the country nowadays have adopted Community Policing. I know I'm not the expert at this topic but if you read journal articles and books about Zero tolerance policing it conflicts with some of your ideas.

[mcsap]

No department ANYWHERE uses a zero tolerance policy 100% across the board on all offenses. When used, it has to be applied to only certain areas.

[pjb6282]

Yes I know, I didn't mean to sound disrespectful in my last posting. I know New York City and other cities worldwide that implemented zero-tolerance policing dumped the idea because it had so many negative consequences.

[pjb6282]

Also, if you guys were to implement zero tolerance policing (like the strategy used in New York City)as a formal policy for your police department what changes would you make to it so it would work better?

[Group9]

Yes I know, I didn't mean to sound disrespectful in my last posting. I know New York City and other cities worldwide that implemented zero-tolerance policing dumped the idea because it had so many negative consequences.

I had the idea they dumped it because of a change in administration and a different viewpoint on how things should be done, not on whether or not it worked. I don't think anyone who ever visited New York prior to Rudy being mayor and after he had been Mayor a few years would ever say it didn't work.