Jacobin Radio Behind the News: Can Mamdani Reform the NYPD? w/ Alex Vitale
Aug 4, 2025
Alex Vitale, a sociology professor and author of 'The End of Policing', discusses Zohran Mamdani's vision for NYPD reform and the heated debate around policing in NYC. He critiques how policing impacts public safety and immigrant rights, proposing community-driven alternatives. Dwayne Monroe offers insights into the AI hype, dissecting the stark difference between industry promises and actual capabilities. He highlights the limitations of AI in customer service and the critical need for a realistic understanding of technology's role in society.
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NYPD Attrition and Crime Trends
- The NYPD has experienced natural attrition with a reduction in academy classes leading to fewer officers.
- Despite fewer officers, crime continued to fall during years of planned attrition, including under Bloomberg.
Crime Decline Post-Pandemic
- Crime levels surged during the pandemic but have returned to historically low pre-pandemic levels.
- Homicide rates are at their lowest in recorded NYC history, providing a reliable indicator of safety.
Addressing Roots of Disorder
- Perceptions of disorder, including visible homelessness, strongly impact residents' sense of safety.
- Effective urban safety requires addressing root causes like homelessness and mental health, not just policing.
