unless you are riding in heavy mud i recommend a full slick or something close to it. I run kenda k838 tires and they handle pretty much everything you will find in city conditions. They are a "fat" tire but have a round face so the contact patch is minimal. OP, you may consider them.

turning your bike as you're braking also help to slow you down in a hurry. if you're locking and skidding your brakes, modulate the pressure, like you would do with a car brake