Communities United for Police Reform Applauds NYS Attorney General's Move to Seek Authority to Prosecute Officers Who Use Deadly Force Against Unarmed Civilians

New York

Today, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement in response to New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's request to Governor Cuomo to authorize his office to investigate cases where police kill unarmed civilians:

“Given the historic lack of systemic accountability in police brutality cases, we applaud the NYS Attorney General's move to seek to establish the office's authority to investigate and criminally prosecute police officers in cases where deadly force is used against unarmed people. For over two decades, there has been a call for independent prosecution in light of District Attorneys' consistent failure to secure indictments and prosecute in case after case where officers have unjustly used excessive and deadly force. This is a significant step forward in addressing the double standard that has for too long treated officers who brutalize and kill as if they are above the law,” said Joo-Hyun Kang, a spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform (CPR).

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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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