As he assumes office, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has committed to ending police sweeps of homeless encampments, signaling a significant shift from the order maintenance policing that characterized the city’s approach in the 1990s and early 2000s. The previous mayor's announcement of encampment sweeps in 2022 echoed a long-standing law enforcement ethos focused on maintaining public order, often at the expense of marginalized communities.

In his book, "Back from the Brink: Inside the NYPD and New York City’s Extraordinary 1990s Crime Drop," author Peter Moskos provides an in-depth examination of the factors contributing to New York's notable decline in crime during the 1990s. Moskos, a former police officer and current professor, presents a narrative that intertwines personal accounts from law enforcement officials and civic leaders with the broader context of urban safety.

The book highlights that between 1990 and 1999, murders in New York City decreased by 70 percent, from 2,262 to 671, with the number falling below 300 by 2018. This decline has been attributed to various factors, including economic conditions, demographic changes, and policing strategies, particularly the controversial "broken windows" theory, which posits that addressing minor offenses can prevent more serious crimes.

While some scholars and commentators have criticized the broken windows approach for its potential to perpetuate systemic racism and aggressive policing tactics, Moskos offers a nuanced perspective. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the lived experiences of those affected by crime and policing, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods where quality-of-life issues are paramount.

Moskos argues that the perception of safety is influenced not only by crime rates but also by the visible presence of disorder, such as homelessness and public intoxication. His interviews reveal that many residents equate the removal of these visible signs of disorder with a sense of safety, regardless of actual crime statistics.

The book also discusses the managerial reforms implemented under former police commissioner Bill Bratton, including the introduction of CompStat, a data-driven management system designed to enhance police accountability and resource allocation. While these reforms aimed to improve policing effectiveness, they also raised concerns about the potential for data manipulation and the prioritization of certain communities over others.

As Mayor Mamdani's administration moves away from aggressive policing tactics, it may reflect a growing recognition of the need for compassionate approaches to urban challenges. Moskos's work serves as a reminder that the complexities of crime and safety extend beyond statistics and require a careful consideration of the social realities faced by all New Yorkers, particularly those in marginalized communities.