8 chapters across the catalog
Rudy Giuliani New York Legacy, Crime Fighting Reputation
The hosts reflect on Rudy Giuliani's tenure as Mayor of New York City, noting the cleanup of Times Square and the removal of "squeegee guys" in the 1990s. Donald Trump defends using Giuliani as a personal envoy to Ukraine, citing his history as a legendary prosecutor and crime fighter. The segment analyzes Trump's repetitive rhetorical technique used to emphasize Giuliani's credentials.
Ted Cruz and the Muslim Neighborhood Patrol Controversy
Ted Cruz faces intense criticism for suggesting that law enforcement should patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods. The hosts note that the "anti-Muslim" label has shifted from Trump to Cruz following these comments. NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and Mayor Bill de Blasio denounced the proposal, while Cruz defended it by citing former Mayor Bloomberg's surveillance programs.
New York City officials received a nearly identical threat but chose to keep schools open, with Police Commissioner Bill Bratton calling the LA response an "overreaction." The FBI later determined the threat was not credible and likely a hoax. The hosts speculate that the threat may have been a "vulnerability test" or even a government-led exercise to gauge public and institutional reactions.
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton discusses the evolution of "predictive policing" using big data and algorithms. Bratton claims the police can now identify potential criminals and crime locations before an offense occurs, comparing the technology to the film "Minority Report." The hosts express concern over the use of arrest records and residency data to pre-emptively target individuals.
NYPD officials warn that Al-Qaeda's Inspire magazine is providing instructions for lone-wolf terrorists to target high-profile events like the U.S. Open. The hosts suggest the mention of the tennis tournament may be a promotional tactic or a way to humanize intelligence warnings despite no specific threats.
NYPD Twitter Campaign Backfires with Police Brutality Photos
The New York Police Department's social media campaign using the hashtag #myNYPD resulted in a "bash tag" as users flooded the feed with images of alleged police brutality. While the department intended to show civic harmony, the public used the opportunity to catalog incidents of officers charging protesters and using force. The hosts speculate that the PR blunder may have originated from John Miller's office or a naive social media manager.
New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio reappointed Bill Bratton as Police Commissioner, a role he previously held under Rudy Giuliani. Bratton is credited with the "broken windows" policing strategy and cleaning up crime in Manhattan during the 1990s. The reappointment raises questions regarding the future of the controversial stop-and-frisk policy.
The transformation of New York City under Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton is recounted through the lens of the "Broken Windows" theory. By targeting petty crimes like "squeegee men" and subway panhandling, the administration aimed to change the public perception of safety. The cleanup of Times Square and the displacement of the local sex trade are cited as major turning points in the city's history.
