Utah's law enforcement policy makers could take a lesson from New York City.
At least, said 3rd District Judge Michael L. Hutchings, they should talk about it.In 1992, New York City had a serious crime problem. Ironically it was the murder of Utahn Brian Watkins that worked to turn the city around. Watkins, who was with his family to watch the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, was at a New York subway stop when his family was accosted by a gang. He stepped in to protect his mother and was stabbed to death.
"That (murder) riveted that city," said Hutchings. They decided then they had sunk to the lowest point, he said.
When Rudolph Guiliani was elected mayor New York City was in debt and the crime rate was soaring. Hutchings said Guiliani cut every city department's budget, except law enforcement. That budget was increased. He then approached fighting crime as a business. He went after all crime, even the small crimes, Hutchings said.
In 1992, New York City had 2,200 murders. Last year the rate had fallen to 983, a 60 percent drop. All crime is down in that city by 50 percent. Hutchings said the crime rate in New York is now a third the crime rate in Ogden and half the rate in Salt Lake City.
New York's reduction in crime was the result of leadership and empowerment, Hutchings said. "He applied correct principles," the judge said of Guiliani, adding that Utah needs to do the same.