#91 (Peter Moskos)

Published in 1961, 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' is a seminal work by Jane Jacobs that critiques the urban planning policies of the 1950s. Jacobs argues against the modernist urban renewal practices that separated uses and led to the decline of city neighborhoods. She advocates for dense, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and the importance of 'eyes on the street' to maintain public order. The book emphasizes the complexity of urban life and the need for planning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of residents. Jacobs uses her own neighborhood, Greenwich Village, as a model for a healthy and vibrant urban environment, contrasting it with the urban renewal projects championed by figures like Robert Moses.

This book provides an in-depth look at the policing strategies, including Compstat, and the societal factors that contributed to the extraordinary reduction in crime in New York City during the 1990s. Written by Peter Moskos, it offers a unique perspective from the viewpoint of police officers who were on the job during this period.

In 'Cop in the Hood,' Peter Moskos provides a detailed and unflinching examination of his year as a police officer in Baltimore's Eastern District. The book delves into the harsh realities of urban policing, exposing systemic flaws and the human challenges faced by officers. Moskos discusses the transition from traditional police patrols to a more modern, dispatch-driven system, the futility of the 'war on drugs,' and the psychological toll of the job. He also argues for the reform of the criminal justice system and the legalization of drugs. The narrative offers a comprehensive insight into police culture, crime patterns, and the complex relationship between police practices and community crime rates.

In 'In Defense of Flogging', Peter Moskos argues that the current prison system is broken, inhumane, and ineffective. He proposes a system where certain classes of convicts are offered a choice between jail and flogging. Moskos contends that flogging, although cruel, is a quicker, cheaper, and more honest form of punishment compared to the lengthy and often brutal experience of incarceration. He highlights the flaws in the current prison system, including high costs, recidivism, and the psychological and physical harm inflicted on prisoners. Moskos's argument is that optional corporal punishment could reduce the prison population, lower recidivism rates, and provide a more humane alternative to the existing system.