Families of New Yorkers Killed by NYPD Announce Support for Right to Know Act

“As family members of New Yorkers killed by the NYPD over the past two decades, we know first-hand that the rights of New Yorkers are too often disregarded by the NYPD.

“There's a clear imbalance of power between police officers and community members in daily interactions, and the rights of New Yorkers must be protected. There must be accountability, transparency & respectful communication in the most common daily interactions, whether on the street, in our cars or in our homes.

“Police officers with a badge and gun have the ability to take away people’s freedom and lives, and there is no reason New Yorkers should not know the identity of officers interacting with them, why the interaction is happening, and be protected against improper searches that have no legal basis. The New York City Council just added more than 1300 police officers to our streets but little has been done to ensure officers are accountable in their day-to-day interactions with New Yorkers. The City Council should pass the Right to Know Act as a necessary step towards basic, common-sense reforms. There’s no reason for encounters to escalate towards disrespect and even abuse because a New Yorker asks a police officer who they are and why they’re being stopped, or exercises their right to refuse a search that has no legal justification.”
 
 
The statement was signed by the following families:

Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, killed on July 17, 2014 in Staten Island

Constance Malcolm, mother of Ramarley Graham, killed February 2, 2012 in the Bronx

Valerie Bell, mother of Sean Bell, killed November 25, 2006 in Queens

Iris Baez, mother of Anthony Baez, killed December 22, 1994 in the Bronx

Natasha Duncan, sister of Shantel Davis, killed June 14, 2012 in Brooklyn

Carol Gray, mother of Kimani Gray, killed March 9, 2013 in Brooklyn

Hawa Bah, mother of Mohamed Bah, killed September 26, 2012 in Manhattan

Nancy Pacheco, sister-in law and Shaina Nunoz, niece of Jayson Tirado, killed October 21, 2007 in Manhattan

Cynthia Howell, niece of Alberta Spruill, killed May 16, 2003 in Manhattan

Kadiatou Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo, killed February 4, 1999 in the Bronx

Cecilia Reyes, mother of Noel Polanco, killed October 4, 2012 in Queens

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