In the Media

Bratton Dodges Questions About 'Broken Windows' and Dante de Blasio

07/31/2014
New York Observer

When it came to the mayor’s son and the “broken windows” theory, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton didn’t have much to say today.

The typically gregarious police chief declined to offer any extensive comment on Rev. Al Sharpton’s fiery charges at a round table hosted by Mayor Bill de Blasio this morning. Mr. Sharpton claimed that Dante de Blasio, who is half black, would have been the target of an NYPD chokehold if he weren’t the mayor’s son.

Advocates Rally Against Police Brutality and Broken Windows

07/31/2014
New York Observer

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton have vowed to re-train police officers following the death of a 43-year-old Staten Island man in police custody.

But for some, that simply isn’t good enough.

“I am here today to send a message to Commissioner Bratton—training is good, training is not enough,” City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez said during a rally led by Communities United for Police Reform.

Mayor Bill de Blasio addresses police-community relations after Eric Garner death

07/31/2014
News 12

NEW YORK - Mayor Bill de Blasio hosted a roundtable on police-community relations following the death of a Staten Island father while in police custody.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, Rev. Al Sharpton, Staten Island clergy members and residents attended the meeting at City Hall to comment on the death of Eric Garner.

Garner's death was caught on video, which shows him being brought down by an officer in an apparent chokehold, sparking a citywide uproar over police tactics. Garner was under arrest for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes.

Bratton critics call for ‘reexamination’ of Broken Windows

07/21/2014
Capital New York

At a series of rallies over the weekend, the Rev. Al Sharpton cast the death of Eric Garner on Staten Island as another chapter in an ongoing battle against police brutality.

But some critics of police commissioner Bill Bratton say Garner's death, which came as he was being arrested for allegedly selling loose cigarettes, should instead prompt a "reexamination" of Bratton's core strategy of Broken Windows policing.

Video: De Blasio Addresses Death of Man Strangled by NYPD Officer

07/18/2014
Village Voice

On Thursday night, Staten Island man Eric Garner, 43, known affectionately as "Big E,"died while being arrested after an NYPD officer placed him in a chokehold. Garner, a father of six, was reportedly asthmatic. A disturbing video of the incident posted on Live Leak shows that Garner repeatedly said "I can't breathe!", sounding close to tears, as the police held him to the ground.

De Blasio Promises Full Investigation Into Death Of S.I. Man While In Police Custody

Mayor Offers Condolences To Family Of Eric Garner
07/18/2014
CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Mayor Bill de Blasio and police Commissioner Bill Bratton are promising a full and thorough investigation into the death of a Staten Island man while in police custody.

Two police officers — an eight-year veteran and a four-year veteran — have been placed on administrative duty after the death of Eric Garner, 43, CBS 2′s Marcia Kramer reported. Garner went into cardiac arrest Thursday while being placed under arrest, police said.

The two cops have been allowed to keep their guns while the investigation continues.

De Blasio Promises Full Investigation Into Chokehold Death During NYPD Arrest

07/18/2014
Gothamist

Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bratton held a brief press conference today to address the death of Eric Garner, a Staten Island man who died while being arrested for selling illegal cigarettes yesterday afternoon. The arrest was documented in a disturbing video by a bystander, and now the de Blasio administration is launching an investigation into the NYPD's handling of the incident.

Civil rights advocates want veto on cop-discipline bill

The bill, supported by police unions and quietly passed at the end of the state legislative session, would make disciplinary policies at police departments subject to collective bargaining.
07/11/2014
Daily News

Civil rights groups are urging Gov. Cuomo to veto a bill that would make disciplinary policies at police departments subject to contract negotiations.  The bill, supported by police unions, was quietly passed at the end of the state legislative session last month.

NYC Cracks Down on Subway Performers

07/02/2014
USA Today

They may be part of what makes New York the city that it is, but the New York City Police Department is cracking down on people who dance and perform acrobatics on the subways for money.

More than 240 people have been arrested for "pass-the-hat" performances on the subway in 2014 compared to 40 this time last year. While it is not a major crime, it is against the law and can set the tone for further lawlessness, Police Commissioner William Bratton says.

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