Few functions of a government are more fundamental than protecting its people. While the Declaration of Independence is best known for its claim that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable rights, it also explicitly asserts that any legitimate government should ensure the “safety” of the governed as well as their “happiness.” Now, polls show fighting crime and public safety are often top priorities for voters. Of course, protection can mean many different things to different people – some focus on support for the military and law enforcement, while others say it includes infrastructure investment, medical care or a more fair criminal justice system. Meanwhile, new threats are emerging, ranging from cyberattacks and human rights abuses to increasingly extreme weather events.
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City & State’s inaugural Above & Beyond: Protecting New York list features key individuals who are doing the hard work of keeping the state safe. The list, written in partnership with journalist Aaron Short, includes public officials, innovative business leaders, prominent advocates and others who make New York safer each day.
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