The Crime Numbers Game

Based upon a specialized questionnaire that reveals the pros and cons of COMPSTAT (comparative statistics) and the primary research of a former NYPD captain and a police researcher, this in-depth empirical analysis of the controversial crime-fighting management system reveals the strategies and results that many have credited with the dramatic decline in New York City crime. Beginning with a historical background, the book identifies strengths and weaknesses, presents survey results, explores crime statistics, discusses practitioner views, and concludes with future directions and policy implications. For more information, check out the authors' blog. The authors' studies on crime were recently featured in a New York Times article and their comments were published on the editorial page. Their work was also cited in an Uptowner article about police manipulation of crime statistics. Silverman and Eterno described a proposed strategy for improving community confidence in the integrity of crime statistics in a January 24, 2011 Daily Newsarticle. In August 2011, Eli Silverman commented on a recent rise in NYC crime statistics in a New York Post article.