Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: From Cincinnati to NYC: Why Public Safety Feels Fragile
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Guest: Rafael Mangual, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and Author of Criminal Injustice

Introduction

In the August 9th weekend edition of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into the pressing issue of public safety in America, sparked by a series of violent incidents across the nation. Joining them is Rafael Mangual, a renowned criminal justice expert, who provides in-depth analysis and actionable solutions to enhance public safety and policing in urban centers like Cincinnati and New York City.

Recent Surge in Violent Incidents

The episode opens with a discussion on the alarming increase in violent events, including a mob attack at the Cincinnati Music Festival, stabbings at a Michigan Walmart, a shooting outside a Reno casino, and other shocking assaults. These incidents have ignited nationwide debates about the state of public safety and the effectiveness of current policing strategies.

John Bickley [01:31]: "Is this just the new normal? Are cities sort of out of control?"

Rafael Mangual [01:47]: "These are still very statistically rare occurrences... But they undermine a very important sense of security that is really at the core of what makes cities and society work."

Impact on Public Perception and Societal Trust

Mangual emphasizes that while these violent acts are statistically uncommon, their occurrence in public and varied locations erodes the public's sense of safety. When crimes happen in generally safe or tourist-heavy areas, it disrupts the community's trust and sense of security.

Mangual [02:48]: "Everyone knows what neighborhoods not to go to in their city... But when violence comes to Walmart or to a midtown office building... it really kind of upends that expectation."

Policing Challenges Post George Floyd

The conversation shifts to the state of policing in Cincinnati, particularly in the aftermath of the George Floyd incident. Mangual highlights significant challenges such as recruitment and retention issues, increased crime rates, and the strain on police resources.

Mangual [05:16]: "Cincinnati... has really suffered on the policing front... struggling with recruitment and retention at a time in which the calls for service were increasing because crime levels were going up."

He attributes slower response times and stretched resources to these challenges, stressing that defunding movements have exacerbated the problem by diminishing the value and resources of police institutions.

Blame Shifting by Officials

John Bickley brings up the reaction of local officials in Cincinnati, noting a pattern of blame shifting rather than addressing the core issues affecting public safety.

Bickley [08:28]: "They both resorted to a lot of blame shifting... Are their statements helping or hurting the situation as you see it?"

Mangual [08:28]: "I certainly don't think they're helping... What has to be done is you have to have an after-action... and the public needs to be made aware of where the gaps are and who's responsible for filling them or failing to."

Racial Dynamics in Public Safety

The discussion then turns to the racial components of recent violent incidents, exploring public perceptions of bias and double standards in the criminal justice system.

Bickley [09:53]: "Is this another post George Floyd problem that local officials and police departments are facing? Is this a real problem?"

Mangual [10:22]: "People have perceived a double standard with respect to interracial violence... White Americans are significantly more likely to be violently victimized by a black American than the other way around."

He criticizes the media's role in racializing incidents, which fuels tribal instincts and hinders constructive conversations about criminal justice reforms.

Mental Health and Criminal Justice

Mangual addresses the critical intersection of mental health and public safety, arguing that the deinstitutionalization movement has left society ill-equipped to handle individuals with severe mental disorders.

Mangual [12:50]: "We are living with the after effects of the deinstitutionalization movement... Individuals should not be on the street... they need to be incapacitated and put into inpatient mental health treatment."

He contends that without proper mental health interventions, individuals prone to violence remain a danger to themselves and others, exacerbating public safety issues.

Case Study: Zoran Mamdani and NYPD Policies

The conversation examines New York City's policing policies through the lens of mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani's stances. Mangual criticizes Mamdani's historical support for defunding the police and dismantling robust law enforcement structures.

Mangual [15:28]: "Zoran Mamdani was a co-sponsor on legislation that would have made it a crime to do routine drug tests on newborn babies... This is a person with a very seriously troubling record."

He underscores the dangers of such policies, arguing that they weaken police effectiveness and public safety.

Proposed Solutions for Strengthening Public Safety

Mangual outlines a multifaceted approach to address the current public safety crisis:

1. Enhancing Police Recruitment and Retention:
   Mangual [17:10]: "We need to increase pay... Attract high-quality recruits... Create a separate track for people who have high levels of educational attainment and performance."

2. Empowering Law Enforcement:
   Giving police the mandate to be proactive and aggressive in maintaining public order, supported by adequate resources.

3. Strengthening the Criminal Justice System:
   Ensuring that District Attorneys and the judiciary uphold serious criminal penalties, thereby reinforcing deterrence and effectively incapacitating repeat offenders.

4. Improving Mental Health Interventions:
   Re-establishing robust mental health institutions to handle individuals who pose a danger due to severe mental disorders.

Mangual [19:33]: "If there's no one there to answer the call, it really doesn't matter what policies that you have in place... We need to fortify the system from all directions."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a call to action for policymakers, law enforcement, and the public to recognize and address the multifaceted challenges facing public safety. By reinforcing police institutions, empowering the criminal justice system, and addressing mental health issues, America can restore the sense of security that is fundamental to thriving urban societies.

Bickley [19:47]: "Let's hope we see some real progress on this, including in Cincinnati and New York."

This comprehensive discussion highlights the complexities of ensuring public safety in modern America, emphasizing the need for a balanced and well-resourced approach to policing and criminal justice reform.