Bratton Says Goodbye: Looking Back on His Legacy
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton is a giant whose innovative criminology saved the lives of thousands all across America and improved the lives of countless millions (“Bratt’s All Folks!” Aug. 3).
I wish I could personally thank him for making New York City livable again.
David Rabinovitz Brooklyn
When James O’Neill takes the helm as police commissioner, he’ll have one task that’s key to his success: The troops have to feel O’Neill has their backs and will support them against an anti-cop environment that has become apparent across the country and in the city.
They also need to feel that he’s not politically controlled by a mayor not known for his love of the police.
O’Neill is known for his support of community involvement.
Now is the time to get the cops engaged and out of their cars whenever possible.
Phil Serpico Queens
Bratton’s resignation is a sad end to a great career.
He can take credit for keeping Mayor de Blasio in office — and New Yorkers can blame him for it.
Our champion of quality-of-life issues has turned into a spin doctor for the flashers, slashers and homeless we have to endure every minute of the day.
Bill Kregler Woodside Bratton departs as he arrived — with self-in- dulgent fanfare. The same allegations follow him everywhere, even across two coasts: morale-busting quotas, systemic misclassification of crime and decomposing police-community relations.
Once the allegations reach critical mass, Bratton cuts and runs, leaving others to slog through the fetid mess.
He leaves the force exposed as the visionless, effete and peevish hack that he is.
Daniel Modell The Bronx