The police will designate a patrol car in each precinct to track stolen cars, and officials said half of those arrested in the thefts were under 18…
Full story: As Car Thefts Soar, N.Y.P.D. Targets Teenage Thieves – The New York Times
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Appalachian State University
After reading this plan to address car theft, I am very curious about what unintended implications such an intense police presence will ultimately have across the targeted neighborhoods within New York. Posting an officer on every block at all times may help to deter theft and/or more efficiently track and recover stolen cars; as is the goal of this initiative. However, this practice may also give community members the feeling that they are being overpoliced, and work to deteriorate trust between cops and communities. As we know, police presence impacts all citizens, not just criminals. What are some unintended consequences of an intense and visible police presence?
Bree, you are asking just the right questions!