Newton's Law

OK, class, repeat after me. Arresting people for violent crimes reduces the number of violent criminals on the street, resulting in a lower crime rate. Got it? Good. Seems that Newton Police Chief, Jose Cordero, has taken this novel approach to crime-fighting.

Cordero said the increase in arrests is due to a change in philosophy. Since he began as chief in February 2002, Cordero has enforced mandatory arrests on domestic assault suspects as well as those accused of attacking others with dangerous weapons.

So, what exactly was their policy prior to February of 2002?