Real safety comes from a police department that follows the law and respects people's fundamental rights, building trust with communities rather than undermining it. This week's historic ruling is a tremendous step in the right direction.

A judge has ruled that the NYPD's controversial use of the stop-and-frisk tactic violated the rights of thousands of New Yorkers. Judge Shira Scheindlin's decision Monday called for a federal monitor to watch over the police department to ensure cops are in compliance with the constitution.