In the Media

Progressives push police reform bill opposed by de Blasio

11/13/2014
Capital
Allies of Mayor Bill de Blasio gathered outside City Hall Thursday afternoon to urge passage of a bill they say is in line with his goal of improving police and community relations but that he has opposed. The bill, dubbed the Right to Know Act, would require officers to get verbal or written consent before searching a person when there is no warrant or probable cause. De blasio told reporters on Wednesday he doesn’t support the bill, saying it may interfere with officers’ ability to perform their job.

NYPD Would Have to Tell of Right to Refuse Searches Under New Bill

11/13/2014
DNAinfo
CITY HALL—The NYPD would be required to tell people that they can refuse a search where there is no probable cause or a warrant, according to legislation introduced in the City Council Thursday. Called the "Right to Know Act," the legislation would require officers to identify themselves and explain why the individual is being stopped or questioned. They would also have to explain that individuals can deny consent to a search in certain instances.

Council Proposes Changes To Police Searches

11/13/2014
NY1 News

A proposal that would dramatically alter the way police officers conduct street stops was introduced by City Council members Thursday. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.

The City Council’s latest attempt at reining in the New York City Police Department, unveiled at a news conference Thursday, would require police officers to explain the reason for conducting a stop and to identify themselves. Perhaps more controversially, it would also require that they inform people of their right to refuse a search when applicable.

Police union denied appeal on stop-and-frisk case

11/13/2014
Amsterdam News

Police reform advocates, community activists and the Bill de Blasio administration heard some good news on Halloween, when a federal appeals court refused to allow New York City police unions to intervene in the city’s stop-and-frisk settlement.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruled to grant the City of New York’s request to withdraw its appeal, deny police unions’ appeal to intervene and lift the stay on remedies in Floyd v. City of New York.

Priscilla Gonzalez, spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform, remarked that it’s about time.