Communities United for Police Reform Responds to NYPD Commissioner Bratton’s Comments on History/Policing

New York, NY

In response to Police Commissioner Bill Bratton’s reported comments today that included “many of the worst parts of black history would have been impossible without police,” Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Priscilla Gonzalez.

“While it’s important to provide the historical context of current problems, Commissioner Bratton is in the position of authority now to address current problems of discriminatory policing in New York City. Unless he takes action to end the abusive 'broken windows' and other unequal policing that only targets certain communities with aggression and enforcement, and holds officers accountable when they brutalize and unjustly kill in communities of color, he too will be judged poorly by history.”

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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.