In the Media

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.

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.

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.

New York City lawmakers introduce NYPD transparency bill

11/13/2014
WABC-TV New York (via Associated Press)
NEW YORK (WABC) --

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.