New York, NY
In 2015, best-selling author and professional tennis player James Blake was
brutally slammed to the ground and held against his will for almost 10 minutes by NYPD Officer James Frascatore.
After the incident, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bratton apologized to Blake.
Yet several years later, Frascatore remains on the force, despite two disciplinary trials and continued calls for him to be fired.
Today, Mr. Blake responded to news reports that Frascatore had recently been found guilty of failing to follow additional protocols in the incident in which Frascatore had slammed him to the ground - and yet, he will remain on the force.
Frascatore will lose 15 vacation days for doing police work on modified assignment and an unauthorized leak of information, compared to the five vacation days he lost for assaulting Blake.
“The de Blasio administration and the NYPD failed to notify me about this discipline decision — which shows their lack of interest in supporting victims of police violence. This is more than disappointing; it’s insulting. And it’s not the first time this has happened. Survivors of police abuse deserve better treatment from our elected officials; and the residents of New York deserve better police officers than James Frascatore,” said Blake.
“If you want to see how seriously the city treats police violence, look no further than this: Frascatore’s penalty for his other infractions is three times as harsh as the punishment he received for brutalizing and falsely arresting me. Unfortunately, my story isn’t unique. Every day, New Yorkers of color are mistreated by NYPD officers — without any hope of accountability,” said Blake.
“Frascatore should have been fired from the NYPD years ago. He should not have a career in law enforcement, period. Police officers who use brutal force — and act like they are above the law — are a danger to all communities, and to the reputation of the thousands of good officers who keep us safe,” said Blake.
Following the 2015 incident, Blake partnered with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and New York City on the creation of the James Blake CCRB Fellowship .
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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/
Follow CPR on Twitter: @Changethenypd
Like CPR on Facebook: Facebook.com/Changethenypd
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