CPR Responds to Bronx Incident of Abusive Policing of Assemblyman Michael Blake

In response to reports that New York State Assembly Member Michael Blake was subjected to an abusive policing encounter in the district he represents, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Monifa Bandele.

“Assemblyman Blake’s treatment by NYPD is just another example that New Yorkers continue to experience abusive policing encounters, despite the rhetoric from City Hall and 1 Police Plaza about ‘community policing’ and training being cure-alls. It shouldn’t continue to require high-profile incidents like this for our city to hear, believe, and respond to the experiences of everyday New Yorkers subjected to abusive policing. If an elected official is treated in such a way, people must understand that New Yorkers in communities continue to face equally abusive treatment that may escalate even further without any accountability. Public officials must begin listening to community members who want an end to racial profiling, broken windows policing, and are demanding the City Council exercise its oversight responsibility by passing the Right to Know Act for real police accountability that is not achieved by simply heeding to NYPD promises in backroom deals.”

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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.