The Crime Numbers Game

The Crime Numbers Game examines how data manipulation and pressure to reduce crime statistics have affected policing in New York City. The book draws on surveys of retired NYPD captains and higher-ranking officials, along with extensive research and interviews. Authors John Eterno and Eli Silverman detail the evolution of CompStat - the NYPD's data-driven management system - and its impact on police reporting practices. Through case studies and documented evidence, they analyze how performance targets and political demands led to systemic changes in crime classification and reporting. The book maps out specific methods used to downgrade crimes and presents accounts from officers who experienced pressure to modify statistics. It also explores the broader implications for public safety, police morale, and community trust. This work raises fundamental questions about accountability in law enforcement and the unintended consequences of performance measurement systems. The authors' analysis reveals tensions between data-driven policing and the complex realities of maintaining public safety.

Readers note the book's detailed research into NYPD's CompStat system and data manipulation. Most reviews emphasize its thorough documentation of pressure on officers to downgrade crimes and meet statistical targets. Liked: - Clear evidence from surveys and interviews - Historical context of NYPD practices - Specific examples of number manipulation techniques - Analysis of management pressure on rank-and-file officers Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Repetitive explanations - Limited solutions proposed - Focus mainly on New York, less on other cities Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (12 reviews) Notable review quotes: "Exposes the dark side of performance metrics in policing" - Amazon reviewer "Important but dry reading" - Goodreads user "Should be required reading for police administrators" - Criminal Justice Review

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🔍 Authors Eterno and Silverman conducted extensive interviews with over 100 retired NYPD officers, revealing systematic manipulation of crime statistics within the department. 📊 CompStat, the data-driven police management system discussed in the book, was initially praised and adopted by police departments worldwide before its darker side came to light. 👮 Author John A. Eterno served as a captain in the NYPD before becoming a professor of Criminal Justice at Molloy College, bringing insider knowledge to the investigation. 📈 The book documents how pressure to show declining crime rates led some precincts to downgrade felonies to misdemeanors and discourage victims from filing reports. 🏆 The authors' research and revelations contributed to changes in NYPD audit procedures and influenced discussions about police accountability nationwide.