Bratton returns to the NYPD as one of the most accomplished and effective law enforcement officials in the nation, having pioneered the CompStat system and community policing strategies as former NYPD Commissioner. He is credited with the largest crime reduction in New York City's history. Under his leadership in the mid-1990s, felony crime in New York City fell by 39 percent. He proved to be as effective in Los Angeles, where violent crime declined by 26 percent during his first three years as Chief of Police. By 2009, the crime rate was 54 percent lower than it had been during his predecessor's final year.
"Bill Bratton is a proven crime-fighter. He knows what it takes to keep a city safe, and make communities full partners in the mission. Together, we are going to preserve and deepen the historic gains we've made in public safety—gains Bill Bratton helped make possible. And we will do it by rejecting the false choice between keeping New Yorkers safe and protecting their civil rights. This is an Administration that will do both," said Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio.
LINK: WHO IS BILL BRATTON?
Bratton ran the nation's largest police department from 1994 to 1996, when he worked for Republican Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Their tactics are largely credited with beginning a sharp decrease in the city's crime rate.
"Mayor-Elect de Blasio's priorities are my priorities. This is the best police force in the nation, and we are going to ensure our men and women have the best technology, the most innovative tactics and the strong support of the communities they protect," said incoming Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. "This department will not rest on its laurels. We are going to continue making history as the safest big city in America."
Bratton also has led the Boston and Los Angeles police departments. He has worked for several private security firms since 2009.
He will succeed Raymond Kelly, the NYPD's longest-serving police commissioner.
Governor Cuomo released the following statement:
"Mayor Elect de Blasio has made a smart choice for New York in picking Bill Bratton, a law enforcement veteran with a proven record, to lead the City's police force. As the former Police Commissioner of Boston, Los Angeles and New York, Bill Bratton took on and successfully reined in historically high crime in some of the nation's largest cities. I commend Mayor Elect de Blasio on his pick and congratulate Bill Bratton on his appointment."
Scott Stringer Statement:
"I applaud Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio's choice of William Bratton as New York City's next Police Commissioner. During his distinguished career — heading police departments in New York City, Boston and Los Angeles — Bill Bratton has been a national leader in reducing urban crime, as well as working productively with the communities he's served. He knows that law enforcement must be fair and constitutional as well as tough and effective, and I am confident he will bring this crucial balance to his new duties in the nation's largest city."
Cy Vance Statement:
"Mayor-elect de Blasio could not have chosen a better police commissioner than Bill Bratton. He is an innovative leader who was responsible for cutting crime in the 1990s by modernizing the NYPD. Bill Bratton already has the respect of the men and women in the NYPD, as well as prosecutors. This appointment puts an innovative veteran at the helm of the nation's finest police department and will ensure both safety in our streets and fairness in the justice system. It's a great choice."
Senator Schumer:
"I worked with Bill Bratton in the early 1990s and he helped transform New York from a crime ridden city to a safe city. The Mayor-elect made a great choice. I am confident he will continue the great success the NYPD has enjoyed."
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
