A very insistent reality

From Are Cops to Blame for the Crime Wave? by Charles Fain Lehman.  The answer is no, but, just as in mathematical proofs, it is the getting to the answer which is interesting.

On the way to the answer, Lehman makes this observation:

The weight of the evidence suggests that procedural-justice policing — an approach that emphasizes treating citizens with dignity and respect and preserving officer neutrality and perceived compliance with due process — improves community relations and respect but does not actually lead to a reduction in crime rates.

Sounds right and can be extended.  Most the humanistic desires for a kinder gentler policing seem all to have the same effect.  People are happier with it but it does not contain or control crime.  If crime reduction is the goal, then dignity, respect, diversion programs, wrap-around services such as mental and dependency needs, housing first, etc. are all nice.  But they don't reduce crime.  Law enforcement reduces crime.

An unpleasant reality for some but a very insistent reality.