Former NYPD Commissioner Howard Safir, Who Led Historic Decrease in Crime, Dies at 81

Howard Safir, the former New York City police commissioner under Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, has passed away at the age of 81. Safir oversaw a decline in violent crime during his tenure but faced criticism for his handling of fatal police shootings of Black men. While murders decreased under his watch, his legacy was marred by incidents such as the Abner Louima and Amadou Diallo cases. Safir defended the department's tactics and was known for his pugnacious and defensive manner. After leaving the police department, he worked in the private security sector.