CPR Responds to Attorney General Special Prosecutor Declining to Assume Investigation & Prosecution of Deborah Danner's Killing by NYPD

NEW YORK, NY - In response to New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announcing his special prosecutor unit will not assume responsibility for investigating and prosecuting any criminal actions related to the killing of Deborah Danner, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokeswoman Anthonine Pierre.

“We are disappointed and disagree with the decision by Attorney General Schneiderman and his special prosecutor unit to not assume responsibility for investigating and prosecuting this case, given what most New Yorkers see as an unjustifiable killing triggered by acknowledged violations of NYPD protocols. Any reckless actions and decisions by Sergeant Barry that led to Deborah Danner’s death – and actions of other officers on the scene which still remain unknown – call for thorough investigation and accountability to the law. It is now incumbent upon Bronx DA Clark to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation that examines the actions of all public officials involved in this failure that brought such an unnecessary tragedy. A transparent investigation should clearly inhibit and hold accountable anonymous leaks or actions by NYPD or other law enforcement officials intended to sway public opinion towards justifying or excusing Deborah Danner’s killing. In addition to any criminal charges that may be brought, it is also critical for such an investigation to yield a detailed report of findings that may uncover or further highlight other failures in police policies and practices that led to this killing, and any issues of accountability and transparency related to it. Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner O’Neill may have acknowledged collective failure, but placing one officer on modified duty does not equate to accountability and they have not been entirely transparent. The NYPD should be transparent about its internal disciplinary investigation and bring swift, meaningful discipline against any officers who violated protocol in this incident.”

###

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/
Follow CPR on Twitter: @Changethenypd
Like CPR on Facebook: Facebook.com/Changethenypd