Mayor must apologize

Recent figures about law enforcement in the 50th Precinct make for an astonishing read. As a rift between the mayor and the police opened last month, the number of parking and driving violations and criminal summonses plummeted. At the lowest point, from Dec. 22 to 28, the authorities simply stopped issuing moving violations and criminal summonses for minor offenses, though arrests for major crimes did not change.

The turn of the year was a great time to be a scofflaw.

Police data from this month indicate a steady return to policing norms here and in the rest of the city; the authorities should make sure the trend continues.

In the meantime, the mayor should apologize for the comments that helped catalyze the slowdown and the police themselves should replace the union leader whose own remarks only threw oil on the fire this winter.

If Mr. de Blasio truly wanted to reform the NYPD, he would have to demonstrate strong support for the institution. Proving himself worthy of officers’ loyalty is the only way he could position himself to make candid criticism and effect change.

Unfortunately, his approach since taking office has come down to regular cheap shots. Instead of providing leadership and original policy proposals, he has shared personal confessions — not too different from President Barack Obama’s halfhearted comments about the country’s race problems. Also like Mr. Obama, Mr. de Blasio seems in thrall to to Rev. Al Sharpton. Repeatedly granting the divisive figure a prominent podium alienates the police and adds little to public discourse.

Mr. de Blasio has shown no predisposition to apologize. But if he wants to avoid another meltdown with the NYPD, he should try to understand how his comments would make officers feel betrayed and seek a way to make amends. 

While the slowdown hardly represents the NYPD’s finest moment, we would do well to remember the years of grinding pressure police have been under as policymakers have messed with their jobs and expectations for security remain high in a post-9/11 world.

Officers nevertheless have a role in restoring relations with the mayor and, by extension, the New Yorkers who elected him. Along with continuing to resume their duties, officer can vote for a change in leadership at the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. Cooler heads than the group’s president Pat Lynch are needed to advance discussion about an NYPD that all New Yorkers — including officers themselves — can be proud of.