Pick to Head NYPD Seen as Street Safety Ally

With traffic deaths in New York City approaching falling homicide rates, calls for improving road safety are increasing. William Bratton, the former and future NYPD Commissioner, has signaled street safety will be a priority, exciting advocates.

December 6, 2013, 5am PST | Jonathan Nettler | @nettsj

At an event in Brooklyn yesterday, Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio announced that former police department head William J. Bratton would once again lead the country's largest force. "Bratton's appointment was immediately hailed by street safety advocates," writes Kate Hinds.

“To achieve his Vision Zero goal, Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio is smart to appoint Bill Bratton to lead the NYPD," said Paul Steely White, the executive director of Transportation Alternatives. "Traffic deaths and serious injuries are epidemic in New York City, and the police department has a significant role to play in eliminating them."

"Bratton, who first headed the city's transit police before becoming police commissioner under Rudolph Giuliani, also promised Thursday to focus on subway crime," adds Hinds.

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Incoming NYPD Commissioner Promises Emphasis on Traffic Fatalities

Published on Thursday, December 5, 2013 in WNYC: Transportation Nation