Q&A
Debate over 'broken windows' policing and Giuliani-era policies
3:19:32
·
170 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler engages Randy Mastro in a debate about 'broken windows' policing and other controversial policies of the Giuliani administration.
- Restler argues that problematic relationships with communities of color were a direct result of Giuliani's policies
- He asks Mastro if he supported hyperaggressive 'broken windows' policing
- Mastro defends aspects of 'broken windows' policing, citing its national practice and potential benefits
- Restler expresses disappointment in Mastro's unwillingness to more directly criticize problematic policies
- He lists several controversial policies, including discriminatory use of Stop and Frisk and limitations on benefits for people with AIDS/HIV
Lincoln Restler
3:19:32
the problematic relationships that the Giuliani administration had with communities of color were a direct result of the Giuliani administration's policies.
3:19:40
Right?
3:19:40
Did you support the Giuliani administration's use of hyperaggressive, broken windows policing?
Randy Mastro
3:19:46
Well, I think that that's a characterization.
Lincoln Restler
3:19:49
Just yes or no.
Randy Mastro
3:19:50
It's not a yes or no.
3:19:52
Because in certain respects, broken windows policing, which was practiced nationally in the mid 19 nineties, resulted not in incarceration, but people being in the system, and that sometimes led to breaking really shocking cases, serial rapist on the upper east side that I can recall in other cases where the person as a a tall jumper didn't go to prison, but was, you know, in the system driving than a toll jumper.
3:20:25
You know, you can't one size doesn't fit all.
3:20:29
It's a question of implementation and how one does things.
3:20:32
I'm not saying that everything was done perfectly, but I'm also not here to say anything other than there were tremendous reductions in crime during that period of time.
3:20:44
And I think we have to understand historical context and how much good was done, and in taking on organized crime, which was my bailiwick.
3:20:56
We had tremendous achievements against formidable odds where I'm lucky to be alive today.
Lincoln Restler
3:21:05
With all due respect, It is disappointing that you're not prepared to go further than saying not everything was handled perfectly, and I'm gonna maintain my private council from over a quarter century ago.
3:21:22
There were serious policy seriously problematic policies that were implemented by the Giuliani administration And I wish with a quarter century of perspective, you could speak more eloquently indirectly to what was gotten wrong.
3:21:39
The hyperaggressive over policing and broken windows mentality.
3:21:44
The discriminatory use of Stop and Frisk.
3:21:48
The fact that, you know, the Giuliani administration limited the ability of people with AIDS and HIV to access city benefits.
3:21:56
The fact that the homeless population skyrocketed during the Giuliani administration, the cancellation of the housing works contracts that supported programs for the homeless and people with HIV AIDS.
3:22:07
I recognize that you have good work that you have done in your career that you can tout and be proud of.
3:22:12
But I'm disappointed that the deeply problematic record of many of of the Giuliani administration is not something that you're prepared to speak to in any meaningful way.