Rafael Mangual: The Cost of Getting Crime Wrong

Rafael Mangual knows crime. As a criminal justice policy analyst, legal commentator, and author, he has become a household name for his work on policing, public safety, and crime policy. He is the Nick Ohnell Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, where his research focuses on crime trends, prosecution, bail reform, and the broader impacts of criminal justice policies on communities.His commentary and analysis have also appeared in major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The New York Times, and he is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs.His book Criminal (In)Justice blows apart common narratives about mass incarceration, policing, and systemic bias in the U.S. criminal justice system.We’re honored to have Rafael join us on Holding the Line for a discussion of recent crime trends, law enforcement strategies, and the impact of policy changes on public safety—including insights into hyperlocal crime phenomena, the effects of drug legalization, and the importance of proactive policing.Episode Links:Get Rafael’s book: https://manhattan.institute/book/criminal-injusticeNew York Post: https://nypost.com/author/rafael-a-mangual/Manhattan Institute: https://manhattan.institute/person/rafael-a-mangualRead some of his latest op-eds on criminal justice and policing:New York’s Self-Induced Repeat Offender Problem https://www.city-journal.org/article/new-york-criminal-history-prior-arrests(NYT Gift Link!) The Left Keeps Getting It Wrong on Crime https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/opinion/crime-police-progressive-policy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dFA.aDkA.uP9o20DVaYRM&smid=url-shareWhat possible justification do Dems have for not letting ICE deport a sex offender? https://nypost.com/2026/02/02/opinion/what-possible-justification-do-dems-have-for-not-letting-ice-deport-a-sex-offender---If you’re enjoying this first season of Holding the Line, please be sure to subscribe and leave us a 5 star review on the podcast platform of your choice.And if you haven’t already subscribed to our Substack—what are you waiting for? Sign up now: https://substack.com/@leldf