In response to the ongoing legislative session in New York state, the following statement can be attributed to Carolyn Martinez-Class, spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform:
"While we are not shocked, we are dismayed that members of the legislature have failed to advance meaningful police reform this week. Not one agenda item for this week’s legislative session addressed the clear and present danger that Black, Latinx and other New Yorkers of color are facing at the hands of police in New York. The continued inaction of the legislature means that Black, Latinx and other New Yorkers of color must contend not only with the devastating loss of lives in the COVID-19 crisis, but also the terror and injustice of abusive and discriminatory policing. Whether it’s referred to as social distancing enforcement or Stop and Frisk, the result is the same. Black and Latinx communities continue to suffer from racially disparate police enforcement, and will continue to face daily humiliation, abuse and violence by officers who face no consequences for their actions. The legislature must pass the Safer NY Act, including a full repeal of 50-a and the Police STAT Act. “
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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.