Everyone's Accountable, All of the Time.
Throughout Giuliani's career, he maintained that accountability- the idea that the people who work for him are answerable to those we work for-is the cornerstone. And this principle started with him. The social contract is a two- street. It was a privilege for him to work for the government. In addition exchange, he had an obligation to perform honestly and effectively.
His aim was to solve a problem directly- to send the message that the government could accomplish things. Besides this too he did not want his administration to get lazy about the "small stuff". More than anyone, leaders should welcome being held accountable. Nothing builds confidence in a leader more than a willingness to take responsibilities for what happens during his watch. One might add that nothing builds a standard than a boss who holds himself to even higher ones. This is true in any organization, but its particularly important in government.
Managing Crime Reduction: Compstat.
When he ran for mayor in 1993, he promised to do something about the out-of-control crime rates that were holding the city hostage. The centerpiece of his administration's efforts was a process called COMPSTAT. This combined two techniques. First crime statistics were collected and analyzed every single day, to recognize patterns and potential trouble before it spread. At the Compstat meeting they used the data to hold each borough commander's feet to the fire. Next they set about determining who bought the idea of accountability and who didn't. From this those who went wrong were demoted or fired and those who did well were promoted.
Using Compstat the goal of preventing crime rather reacting to it was fulfilled. One of the benefits of Compstat was that commanders had objective proof of their good performance. Overall Compstat meetings were not prosecutions or tribunals. They were as much about planning as accountability.