“Besides interrupting more serious criminal activity, intensive misdemeanor enforcement and proactive street stops send the message to criminals and law-abiding residents alike that the rule of law is still in effect in troubled neighborhoods and that the police are watching.”

American conservative political commentator, essayist, lawyer, and author

Heather Mac Donald is an American conservative political commentator, essayist, lawyer, and author. She is known for her writings on criminal justice, policing, and public policy, and for her opposition to criminal justice reform. She is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of its City Journal. Her work often argues for strong support of police and examines debates over crime, law enforcement, and reform.