In the Media
NYPD Would Have to Tell of Right to Refuse Searches Under New Bill
Council Proposes Changes To Police Searches
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
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.
New York City lawmakers introduce NYPD transparency bill
Lawmakers from the City Council's progressive caucus on Thursday introduced legislation they said would improve frayed relations between the police and minority communities by requiring officers to identify themselves during stops and then inform the people they confront of their right not to be searched if there's no probable cause.
City Councilman Ritchie Torres says officers too often stop mostly young minority men without giving their names. He also says they conduct searches without affecting an arrest, or having a warrant or probable cause.
Progressives push police reform bill opposed by de Blasio
Bill Requiring Cops To Get Consent For Some Searches Riles Up NYPD
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A new bill to be introduced Thursday in the City Council has angered many in the NYPD.
It calls for officers to get consent before they conduct some searches, CBS2’s Dick Brennan reported Tuesday.
The bill covers cases when police don’t have a warrant, are not making an arrest, or don’t have probable cause.
In those cases, people do have the right to reject a search, but this bill would demand police notify them of that right, and even get proof, perhaps in writing or recorded audio.
De Blasio Balancing His Promises With Reality
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday issued a broadside to national Democrats, urging the party to embrace liberal values and attributing its midterm losses to a lack of fidelity to the progressive cause.
But at home, things are more complicated.
Leading police reform group pushing NYPD for major changes
The police reform group that helped push the Community Safety Act last year - against the wishes of then-Mayor Bloomberg - is now gearing up for a fight with NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton.
Communities United for Police Reform is ramping up pressure on the NYPD to make changes in the department that it says is necessary to end "abusive and discriminatory policing."
The group is holding a press conference at City Hall tomorrow at noon to push for the "Right to Know Act," which would require cops to get permission from a person they are about to search without a warrant.
NYPD to end low-level marijuana arrests, issue tickets instead
The New York Police Department will no longer arrest people simply for possessing small amounts of marijuana, Commissioner Bill Bratton announced Monday. Instead, individuals will be ticketed and fined.
Beginning on November 19, the new policy will apply to people who are found with 25 grams of cannabis or less. As long as they are not smoking the marijuana, intending to sell it, or have an outstanding warrant for their arrest, police officers can simply issue a civil summons, similar to a parking ticket, and move on.