“Back from the Brink,” a new book by Peter Moskos, sheds light on the extraordinary crime drop experienced by New York City in the 1990s. The book brings back the voices of cops, a perspective that has been missing from national discourse in recent years. As the city gears up for the mayoral primary in 2025, public safety remains a top concern for New Yorkers.
Moskos’ book challenges the notion that police do not play a role in reducing crime, debunking the idea that social issues alone can address the root causes of crime. Despite no major changes in social issues like poverty, job creation, or education in the 1990s, New York City saw a significant decrease in its murder rate. This was achieved through a shift in policing philosophy, focusing on reducing crime, fear of crime, and disorder.
The book provides an oral history of the transformation within the NYPD during this period, highlighting the experiences of police officers who witnessed the changes firsthand. From the chaos of the 1970s and 1980s to the restored order of the early 2000s, the book chronicles the innovative strategies and initiatives that led to the crime drop.
One key figure in the book is Jack Maple, a senior NYPD executive known for his creative policing methods. Maple’s four-step crime-control strategy became the foundation for the NYPD’s CompStat crime-tracking system, which revolutionized data-driven policing. The book also explores the “Broken Windows” theory, which emphasized addressing minor infractions to prevent more serious crimes.
Through interviews with key players in the NYPD and other stakeholders, “Back from the Brink” showcases the importance of on-the-ground observations and creative solutions in driving progress. The book also highlights smaller interventions, such as playing classical music at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, that helped restore order and improve public safety.
Overall, “Back from the Brink” serves as a tribute to the unconventional thinkers and dedicated individuals who contributed to New York City’s crime drop in the 1990s. It underscores the impact of innovative policing strategies, collaboration, and perseverance in achieving lasting progress in public safety.
The book launch event, held at a Queens dive bar, honored late key figures in New York’s revival, reflecting on the legacy of those who played a crucial role in the city’s transformation. “Back from the Brink” is a testament to how determination, novel ideas, and a commitment to public safety can lead to tangible results in combating crime and restoring order in urban areas.
