Thin Ice Podcast

Amy Freeze interviews Bill Bratton is a renowned American law enforcement officer and executive. He is the only person to serve as police commissioner in both New York City and Los Angeles, playing a pivotal role in modernizing urban policing. He’s known for his leadership in implementing innovative strategies, Bratton championed the “broken windows theory,” which emphasizes addressing minor crimes to prevent larger ones, and was instrumental in reducing crime rates during his tenures. he served as nypd commissioner from 1994 to 1996 and again from 2014 to 2016, as well as Chief of Police in Los Angeles from 2002 to 2009. Bratton’s career was marked by his emphasis on community policing, data-driven approaches such as compstat, and fostering improved relationships between law enforcement and the public. His efforts have made him one of the most influential figures in modern policing.
I co-hosted the event where Commissioner Bratton was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award (December 2024, 10th annual Detective Ramos Foundation Gala.) Bratton became the commissioner when Detective Rafeael Ramos and Detective Wenjian Liu were killed while on duty, and he was also instrumental in supporting the families left behind who in turn dedicated efforts to community policing. Learn more at the Detective Ramos Foundation.