NY Police Reform Campaign Responds to State Assembly Passage of Police Transparency & Accountability Legislation

In response to the New York State Assembly passing special prosecutor legislation (A.5617-Perry) today and a police data transparency bill (A.5946A – Lentol) a few days ago, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Kesi Foster, a lead organizer at Make the Road New York.

“The Assembly’s passage of criminal justice reform legislation is a critical step for our state to advance equal justice for all. We especially applaud Speaker Heastie and Assembly leadership for prioritizing police transparency and accountability with passage of the Police-STAT Act and legislation to codify a special prosecutor for all police killings of civilians or deaths in police custody. The passage of the Police-STAT Act, through the leadership of Assembly Member Lentol, brings our state a step closer towards being able to conduct informed policing policy based on data. Memorializing and strengthening the executive order Governor Cuomo enacted in 2015 through Assembly Member Perry’s legislation is also critical. It is a testament to the leadership of the dozens of families of New Yorkers killed by police who have charted the path forward, with support from organizations and New Yorkers, to make sure that a special prosecutor was enacted in New York and this legislation enhances police accountability. Police-community relations cannot be addressed in the absence of accountability and transparency, something too many elected and public officials continue to avoid. The Assembly demonstrated important leadership with its action to address the systemic lack of police transparency and accountability. The State Senate must cease being an impediment to advancing safety in communities throughout New York and contribute to passing these bills into law.”

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About Communities United for Police Reform

Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, and to build a lasting movement that promotes public safety and policing practices based on cooperation and respect– not discriminatory targeting and harassment.

CPR brings together a movement of community members, lawyers, researchers and activists to work for change. The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs, from all walks of life and represent many of those unfairly targeted the most by the NYPD. CPR is fighting for reforms that will promote community safety while ensuring that the NYPD protects and serves all New Yorkers.

Learn more: http://changethenypd.org/
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