CPR Responds to NYPD Discipline Panel Report Released Today

“The Panel’s report today affirms what New Yorkers of color and others impacted by police violence have long known: the NYPD’s disciplinary process lacks transparency and is fundamentally flawed. We share the Panel’s frustration with the fact that the NYPD disciplinary process is a systemic failure. The lack of transparency and meaningful NYPD discipline for police officers who engage in misconduct has worsened on Mayor de Blasio’s watch,” said Anthonine Pierre, a spokesperson for Communities United for Police Reform (CPR).

“From Eric Garner to Delrawn Small, officers who unjustly kill and engage in related misconduct have been allowed to remain on the force, padding their paychecks and pensions for years, while families and communities wait to see if officers will ever face disciplinary charges or face a disciplinary trial. In the case of Saheed Vassell, the four officers who recklessly gunned Saheed down in a hail of 10 bullets were never even put on modified duty. Instead of reforming the NYPD like he promised, de Blasio has allowed the NYPD disciplinary process to become less transparent and more unfair to those subjected to police abuse,” said Pierre.

“The NYPD’s overly broad and ever-expanding application of the 50-a police secrecy law has protected and empowered officers who engage in misconduct. That’s wrong and unacceptable. Indeed, 50-a has helped to hide the systemic lack of disciplinary action for NYPD officers who engage in egregious acts, including police brutality, sexual misconduct, and lying in their official capacities. On de Blasio’s watch, the NYPD has used 50-a to shield disgraced police officers from scrutiny and accountability for their misconduct. Increasingly, the NYPD hides behind 50-a and invokes it to block the release of vital information, such as outcomes of misconduct investigations and disciplinary proceedings. It’s time to repeal 50-a. Repealing 50-a in the state legislature will increase police transparency and accountability, and enhance public safety,” said Pierre.

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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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