On Saturday, August 2, 2014 3:03:07 PM UTC-4, Stephen Sprunk wrote:

> Cops walking/driving a beat increases the _perception_ that criminals will
be caught, changing the subconscious risk/reward analysis. Just as important,
though, are the detectives who investigate crimes and _actually_ catch the
offenders. 

Cops are only one part of the issue.  

Another part is public policy.  NYC has an aggressive stop 'n frisk policy,
Phila refuses to go that route.   I submit that stop 'n frisk in NYC acts as a
deterrent.

Another part is courts and prisons.  NYC courts used to be very liberal, but
then they changed and got stuff.  They built many more prisons to house
offenders; even on barges floating in the river.  One definitely reason there
is less crime is because 
the criminals are locked up.  In contrast, Phila had a terrible problem with
many of those arrested needing to post zero bail and then not showing up for
trial.

NYC's healthy economy probably reduces crime, but a low crime rate contributes
to a healthy economy.  In safe cities, people are willing to go out at night,
open up and run businesses.  In Phila, lots of businesses, large and small,
have fled to the 
suburbs or exurbs to escape the city.  It's a viscious downward cycle.  In the
1960s-1970s, people were escaping from NYC, but now it's an "in" place.

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