Bratton and L.A.

Everywhere Bill Bratton goes, crime seems to go down. Since 2002, homicides in L.A. decreased by more than 50%. And yet so many professors are unwilling to accept that good policing has a major impact on crime. In the academic world, Bratton still seems to get little credit and respect. Why is that?

Here's an article by Scott Gold, Catherine Saillant, and Joe Mozingoin in the L.A. Times about Bratton's success.

There's a chance that Bratton will return to NYC. I hope so. Bratton is pro-cop and generally maintains good relations in high-crime communities. It's a tough act to balance.