NCJ Number
144061
Date Published
1993
Length
624 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes the racial disturbances in the Crown Heights area of New York City in August 1991, assesses the performance of the New York Police Department and other public agencies, and makes recommendations for improvement.
Abstract
The analysis revealed that the New York Police Department has taken significant steps to improve its ability to control disorders since the Crown Heights disturbance. These steps include the designation of a deputy chief to coordinate the department's planning efforts, the formation of a special disorder control staff to take command during future unrest, the acquisition of special equipment, and the implementation of new procedures that should enhance the quality of major tactical operations. The Department has also conducted extensive training of officers in field exercises and simulated riot situations. The completion of a new citywide plan later this year should also contribute to the department's ability to control future disorders effectively. The analysis of the investigation and prosecution of the murder of Yankel Rosenbaum revealed that inconsistencies in police testimony, deficiencies in implementing proper investigative procedures, and the influences of non- evidentiary considerations ultimately undermined the prosecution's case. Recommendations are offered for future cases. Photographs, maps, charts, footnotes, appended background materials, and 65 references (Author summary modified)