Why did New York City’s murder rate plummet? | The Moynihan Report

Published in 1961, 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' is a seminal work by Jane Jacobs that critiques the urban planning policies of the 1950s. Jacobs argues against the modernist urban renewal practices that separated uses and led to the decline of city neighborhoods. She advocates for dense, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and the importance of 'eyes on the street' to maintain public order. The book emphasizes the complexity of urban life and the need for planning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of residents. Jacobs uses her own neighborhood, Greenwich Village, as a model for a healthy and vibrant urban environment, contrasting it with the urban renewal projects championed by figures like Robert Moses.

This book provides an in-depth look at the policing strategies, including Compstat, and the societal factors that contributed to the extraordinary reduction in crime in New York City during the 1990s. Written by Peter Moskos, it offers a unique perspective from the viewpoint of police officers who were on the job during this period.