Communities United for Police Reform Demands Cuomo, Legislature Repeal 50-A Now

The following statement from Anthonine Pierre, spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform and Deputy Director of the Brooklyn Movement Center: 

“New Yorkers who gathered to mourn George Floyd and other victims of recent police violence in Brooklyn last night were met with a massive police presence even before protesters arrived. The NYPD effectively met people who were already grieving Black life lost to state violence with the possible threat of additional state violence. Video after video shows NYPD officers acting violently toward New Yorkers and escalating interactions. According to reports, 200+ people were summonsed or arrested last night, and people were brutalized, violently thrown to the ground, and pepper-sprayed, including State Senator Myrie and Assemblywoman Richardson. These officer's actions reflect the ongoing lack of  accountability in the NYPD, where officer misconduct is shielded from public view & they are rarely held responsible for harming New Yorkers. 

“The violence experienced by New Yorkers last night at the hands of police is unacceptable and it is not an isolated incident. Governor Cuomo has stated he is willing to sign a bill on the matter if it comes to his desk. We call on Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie to immediately reconvene the legislative session and pass Senator Bailey & Assemblyman O’Donnell’s bill to repeal 50-a. No modifications, tweaks or amendments are acceptable.  There is no excuse for New York to be the worst state in the country with respect to police misconduct and discipline transparency laws - in fact it puts Black and other New Yorkers of color in danger because abusive police and departments are able to hide police abuse behind 50-a. The repeal of 50-a is supported by a broad coalition including families who have lost loved ones to police, community organizations from across New York state, members of the press, faith leaders, and members of law enforcement. “

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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 reduces reliance on policing. CPR runs coalitions of over 200 local, statewide and national organizations, bringing 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 most unfairly targeted by the NYPD.