Police Commissioner Kathleen O’Toole recently took a welcome step, in our opinion here at South Boston Online.

     She gave Boston’s beat police officers the authority to issue citations for infractions of various city ordinances – for so-called “small infractions”, where an arrest would be too time-consuming and would divert police from the prevention of major crimes.  These citations are similar to traffic and parking tickets.  The person cited can contest the citation, but could elect to simply pay the fine, thus avoiding paperwork, court appearances, and so on.

     The infractions include animal-related problems, such as being off leash or not picking up after a dog being walked.  Loud parties, public drinking, and other public disturbances, especially at night, could also be cited.  In these cases, an officer might choose to cite the guests at a loud party, while arresting the hosts who threw the party.  Littering, defacing structures with graffiti, and posting of ads on abandoned buildings are other infractions that can result in citations.

And the penalties can be stiff.  Some infractions carry a $300 fine.  Mayor Menino has promised that the level of fines will be reviewed in the near future, with an eye to making them even higher.

     So that there’s no mistake, we should point out that this is not a new program.  Police have been allowed to do this for years, but using citations was never emphasized sufficiently.  Police officials have stated that they are reviving the citations as a way to address the many small issues that concern the residents of Boston.  The Mayor was quoted as saying that police will “ticket aggressively” under the program.

     Last year was not a good one on the Boston crime scene.  Violent crime statistics are assessed by counting four “index” crimes:  rape, robbery, homicide, and aggravated assault.  Citywide, all four increased during 2005.  Of course, these four crimes are not going to be dealt with by using citations, but attention to details can make a difference up and down the spectrum of serious crime.

     First of all, in meetings with the police, residents of neighborhoods invariably ask about enforcement of city ordinances, not just about major crimes.  Quiet, orderly neighborhoods are what the residents of Boston overwhelmingly want, along with elimination of major crimes.

     Second, there is significant practical evidence that paying attention to “quality of life issues” results in less major crime.  Such programs are known by names like “Zero Tolerance” and “Broken Windows”.  Whatever their names, they function by empowering (and requiring) the police to take steps against even the smallest of infractions. 

     These programs worked in New York City, which was the world’s largest crime laboratory 20 years ago.  They were instituted by then Mayor Giuliani and Commissioner Bratton; they are still working under Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly.  That’s sufficient evidence for us.

     Boston's old Ten-Point Coalition, a group of religious and political leaders, has disappeared.  Perhaps its reinstatement would do some good.  In the meantime, let’s do what we know will work.  Enforce the ordinances, and clean up after ourselves – there are only 15 shopping days left until Spring.