Susan Watts/New York Daily News[1] NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton (r.), seen here with Mayor de Blasio, fired back against the criticism over his suggestion that women use the "buddy system" to prevent rapes in cabs.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said his advice to women about using the "buddy system" to prevent rapes in cabs was about crime prevention, not sexism.
After he was slammed for suggesting that women share a taxi with a pal[2] to avoid rapes and sexual assaults in cabs, Bratton said on Tuesday he was offering "sound advice," similar to getting a designated driver for a night of drinking.
"So I think, unfortunately, the comment was misconstrued as somehow sexist," he said. "Not at all. It's, I think, sound advice."
During a radio interview last week, Bratton said that women have been targeted in a series of rapes in cabs after leaving bars.
BRATTON BURNED FOR SUGGETING 'BUDDY SYSTEM' TO PREVENT RAPES[3]
There were 14 rapes reported in cabs last year[4], compared to 10 the previous year.
"As you would expect, as police commissioner, I have an obligation to warn people about that," he said on Monday. "The whole idea is to keep it secret? And part of the warning was the idea — be aware of this."
istock There were 14 rapes reported in cabs last year, compared to 10 the previous year.
"But also something that we do all the time in policing, is to give additional advice on how you might protect yourself," he added.
His "buddy system" found an unfriendly reception in Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo (D-Brooklyn), who organized a rally on the steps of City Hall Monday in response to his comments.
"What I want from my commissioner of the NYPD is to say that he's going to do a full crackdown," she said.
8.4% OF RAPES IN NYC IN 2015 HAPPENED FOR-HIRE VEHICLES[5]
Mayor de Blasio stood by his top cop, saying he and Bratton are "deeply concerned about the safety of the women of this city."
"We think it's our obligation to give people advice and warnings on how to keep safe," he said.
References
- ^ Susan Watts/New York Daily News (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ slammed for suggesting that women share a taxi with a pal (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ BRATTON BURNED FOR SUGGETING 'BUDDY SYSTEM' TO PREVENT RAPES (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ There were 14 rapes reported in cabs last year (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ 8.4% OF RAPES IN NYC IN 2015 HAPPENED FOR-HIRE VEHICLES (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ bill bratton (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ nypd (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ new york rapes (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ nyc taxis (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ new york sexual assaults (www.nydailynews.com)
- ^ bill de blasio (www.nydailynews.com)
