Commissioner Bill Bratton is the most influential figure in modern policing. He talks to Amy about the parallels between forecasting crime and predicting natural disasters. Bratton shares a four letter word for big cities who are concerned about crime and his thoughts on his recent Lifetime Achievement Award.
Commissioner Bill Bratton gets Lifetime Achievement Award
The first time I met Bill Bratton in person I was working at WABC-TV in New York City. He was at the station to do a news interview. I had seen him on TV like everyone else – many times before. I first really learned about him in a NYC hair salon reading “The Esquire” article about him published in March 2015. In that article I got a better glimpse at the human tactics (over bare logistics) required in “policing.”
And ironically I saw how the challenges of policing – lined up with so many things happening in my life from parenting to building relationships to forecasting. My two favorite Bratton quotes from the article are:
But the best thing I heard from Commissioner Bratton was during our conversation for this podcast when I asked him about changing the climate of crime. He used a four letter word that everyone should use if they have a compliment or complaint about the way policing is done. I’ll let you have a listen to find out more. Link to podcast here
Here’s what you should know about my guest:
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.
We spoke about weather impacts on policing. we compared notes on forecasting… for example:
Walmart, for example, learned through analysis that when a major weather event is in the forecast, demand for three items rises: duct tape, bottled water and strawberry pop-tarts…. armed with this information, stores are fully stocked to meet their customer needs.
Police can use a similar data analysis to help make their work more efficient. The idea is being called “predictive policing,” and commissioner Bratton explains how it works.
He talked about his youth in Boston at technical high school and time in the Army before becoming a Boston PD in 1970!
We talk about the mark – 10 years ago that two nypd were shot on the streets of Brooklyn, out of that tragedy came a truly valiant effort to change the relations between police and community. The impact has been profound primarily due to the courage of NYPD widow Maritza Ramos. I have witnessed the influence that Commissioner Bratton and so many others have had on supporting and encouraging this successful campaign to change hearts and forge a different way for the future.
Amy Freeze hosting with JW Cortes
In Commissioner Bratton’s book “The Profession” Buy here
He describes how all policing is not the same, it has to fit the community. When you think about it – that theory applies to many groups – families/children, business/employees. Figuring out what fits is where you find the solutions.
I asked Commissioner Bratton about his statement 30 years ago when he said crime would not go up in NYC and LA. But, it has. We talked about how it did not go as planned and what is needed to change the trend.
Suggest a guest for “Thin Ice with Amy Freeze” HERE
More Here: Thin Ice with Amy Freeze is a captivating podcast where weather meets the unpredictability of life. Drawing on her extensive career in television weather forecasting, hosting, and interviewing, Amy invites a diverse range of guests—from close friends to headline-making newsmakers—all connected by a shared thread of weather.
Through fascinating conversations, Thin Ice explores how life, much like the weather, can put us on unstable ground, testing our resilience and adaptability. With Amy’s unique blend of expertise, warmth, and curiosity, each episode offers compelling stories and thought-provoking insights. Join Amy for more than sunny skies and storms – it’s a conversation into the unexpected turns we all face. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on life’s forecast!
LISTEN NOW
Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thin-ice-with-amy-freeze/id179273041
iHeart – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-thin-ice-with-amy-freeze-261540038/
Pandora – https://www.pandora.com/podcast/thin-ice-with-amy-freeze/PC:1001097533
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0zjmAo4zvXINRZ0XX3tRwE
Amazon – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1d03b43d-5138-441f-82d9-01218d051197/thin-ice-with-amy-freeze
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8ocjCl9gsF-T93wTMl82DP_AVSXdXhU5
Follow the Brand New “Thin Ice with Amy Freeze” on all social platforms:
Twitter — https://x.com/thiniceonx
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/amyfreezepodcast
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/AmyFreezePodcast
Shreezer Productions presents the Amy Freeze Podcast
