Critics Call 'Broken Windows' Policing Method Into Question

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Critics are calling into question a controversial piece of the "broken windows" method of policing.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was asked about the so-called nuisance abatement actions, which allow police to shut down locations, including residences, that it believes are being used for illegal purposes, often possible drug dealing.

Residents can be barred permanently from their homes without being convicted or even charged with a crime.

"The concept of the law is to make sure that if people are posing a threat to their neighbors, that we are able to address that threat," De Blasio said, as reported by WCBS 880's Rich Lamb.

But de Blasio added that there should always be due process so the city is going to look carefully at the protocols.

According to NYPD, the Nuisance Abatement Law is used to effectively address the problem of drug sales in commercial buildings. The department says many of these buildings are infested with narcotics activity and other crimes which have a negative influence on neighborhoods.

The law allows for the Civil Enforcement Unit to obtain closing orders for commerical properties which are operated by drug dealers. Often, the landlord must select new tenants who are approved by the Department in order to reopen.

In:
• New York City Police Department
• Bill de Blasio