The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and three other police unions announced today they will file an appeal to intervene in the stop-and-frisk case in anticipation of mayor-elect Bill de Blasio's withdrawal of the city's challenge to the suit.
The four unions representing 29,000 police officers, detectives, lieutenants and and captains plans to file the motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Second Circuit. This marks the second time the law-enforcement unions are attempting to be part of the case.
Back in September, the unions filed a motion objecting to Judge Shira Scheindlin's appointment of a court monitor. The unions' appeal became moot when the court ordered a stay in the proceedings and Judge Scheindlin was subsequently removed from the case.
In a statement, P.B.A. president Patrick Lynch said "The outcome of this appeal will directly affect the reputation of all NYC police officers and the daily activities and collective bargaining rights of 29,000 sworn members of the police department including their training, discipline and their very safety."
UPDATE: The anti-stop-and-frisk group Communities United for Police Reform responds with this emailed statement from spokesperson Joo-Hyun Kang:
“New Yorkers voted in favor of stop-and-frisk reforms in a landslide election by choosing a mayor and citywide candidates with strong platforms in favor of reforms and against quota-driven policing that leads to civil rights violations. These unions’ decision to continue fighting against a remedial process that would unite our city and bring together affected communities with law enforcement and other stakeholders to develop solutions is counterproductive. It disrespects the experience of New Yorkers whose rights are routinely violated and fails to address the quota-driven pressures that officers regularly face.”