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Rudy Shouldn't Get Credit for Crime Busting

New study argues real victor in war on crime is 70s-era campaign to reduce lead

By J. Kelman,  Newser User

Posted Jul 8, 2007 9:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – Rudy Giuliani, who's running for commander-in-chief on his tough-guy cred, can thank early-1970s reductions in lead levels for his crime-busting success, a new study argues. Economist Rick Nevin concludes that the nearly 60% decrease in violent crime during Rudy's stint as mayor is a result of government programs to cut lead poisoning—which has been tied to aggression.

Most experts credit the Giuliani administration with reducing violent crime by targeting general deliquency—the so-called "broken windows" approach. But Nevin points to similar declines in nine other countries; in each, crime levels dropped dramatically as kids who'd grown up with lower exposure came of age. "It is stunning how strong the association is," he says.

New Study Shows High Risk Of Lead Poisoning In NYC Housing
New Study Shows High Risk Of Lead Poisoning In NYC Housing   (Getty Images)
Then Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, left, gestures as he announces that New York City appears to be leading the nation's fight against crime, Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997, at a New York City police precinct.  Figures for early 1996 show a 10.5 percent drop compared to the 3 percent nationwide decrease....
Then Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, left, gestures as he announces that New York City appears to be leading the nation's fight against crime, Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997, at a New York City police precinct. Figures...   (Associated Press)
Residents Protest Lead Poisoning In NYC Housing
Residents Protest Lead Poisoning In NYC Housing   (Getty Images)
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