Anthony Arnove

An aging population and the decline in the use of crack cocaine are more responsible for the drop in crime rates than a strong police presence, argues Anthony Arnove in the following viewpoint. In fact, Arnove contends, putting more police on the street and giving them the power and authority to enforce “zero tolerance” policies may actually increase police violence and corruption because the officers believe they are above the law. Arnove is a writer and a member of the International Socialist Organization.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How have crime rates changed since the mid-1970s, according to the author?
2. What four reasons does the author give for the drop in crime rates?
3. By what percentage did police brutality complaints increase in New York City in the first half of...