by Barry Latzer & Peter Moskos
National Guard deployments can only do so much.
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Members of the Ohio National Guard patrol at the National Mall, weeks after President Donald Trump ordered an increased presence of federal law enforcement to assist in crime prevention, in Washington, D.C. September 16, 2025.
Daniel Becerril/Reuters
President Trump intuitively understands that no matter how much crime has gone down overall in cities, it is of little solace to those living in fear in high-crime neighborhoods. That’s one reason (political gamesmanship aside) that he sent the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and is promising to send them to Memphis, Tenn., and other cities as well.
But while it helps to have the Guard on the streets, there are more effective, cost-efficient, and lawful ways to reduce crime.
About the Author
Barry Latzer is an emeritus professor of criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His latest book is The Myth of Overpunishment: A Defense of the American Justice System and a Proposal to Reduce Incarceration While Protecting the Public.
About the Author
Peter Moskos is a professor of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His latest book is Back From the Brink: Inside the NYPD and New York City’s Extraordinary 1990s Crime Drop.
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President Trump intuitively understands that no matter how much crime has gone down overall in cities, it is of little solace to those living in fear in high-crime neighborhoods. That’s one reason (political gamesmanship aside) that he sent the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and is promising to send them to Memphis, Tenn., and other cities as well.
But while it helps to have the Guard on the streets, there are more effective, cost-efficient, and lawful ways to reduce crime.
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About the Author
Barry Latzer is an emeritus professor of criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His latest book is The Myth of Overpunishment: A Defense of the American Justice System and a Proposal to Reduce Incarceration While Protecting the Public.
About the Author
Peter Moskos is a professor of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His latest book is Back From the Brink: Inside the NYPD and New York City’s Extraordinary 1990s Crime Drop.
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