Bratton returns as NYPD commissioner

Bill Bratton (right) has been named the new commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD) by mayor-elect, Bill de Blasio.

Mr Bratton, 66, first served as NYPD commissioner from 1994 to 1996 under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and has also led other major US police departments, including Boston and Los Angeles.

It is the second time he has succeeded outgoing Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

Mr Bratton was rumoured to be Prime Minister David Cameron’s first choice to lead the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) when the post last became vacant in 2011, but due to the requirement for all chief constables to be UK citizens, the plan was shelved.

However, the Government is introducing measures to allow the possibility for overseas police chiefs from countries with similar legal systems to be appointed to lead English and Welsh forces.

Last week Mr Bratton told BBC’s Newsnight that he would consider applying for the MPS commissioner role if it were to become available again.

During his first term as NYPD commissioner, Mr Bratton implemented a zero tolerance approach based on the ‘Broken Windows’ academic theory and was pre-eminent in the development of the Compstat model of performance management, later adopted by law enforcement agencies in many countries, including the UK.

The MPS recently introduced a similar programme, convening monthly ‘Crimefighters’ meetings to hold senior commanders to account.

He is credited with reducing crime by a third and homicides by half in New York, successfully led reductions in gang-related crime in Los Angeles, and his advice was sought by Mr Cameron after the widespread riots in London and other English cities in 2011.