CPR Statement: Quinnipiac Poll

In response to today's Quinnipiac poll of New York City residents on policing issues, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Priscilla Gonzalez.

New York, NY

“The issue isn’t whether New Yorkers want their quality of life issues addressed – everyone deserves that – or whether the police should enforce the law, but it is in how certain communities are unreasonably targeted for low-level offenses. The Daily News analysis is clear evidence that Black and Latino New Yorkers and neighborhoods are disproportionately targeted with hyper-enforcement of low-level offenses in a way their white counterparts are not. The discriminatory application of broken windows policing that only targets certain communities for enforcement of low-level infractions – including the disproportionate use of arrests for summonsable offenses in certain communities – is what must end in order to truly improve relationships between these same communities and the police.

“It’s clear to New Yorkers that police brutality is a serious problem, and it is particularly evident to Black and Latino New Yorkers who are largely the victims of excessive force and the unjustified police violence that far too often can be fatal. Police brutality will not be prevented by retraining but only when officers are held accountable and sent a message that abusive policing is unacceptable to the police commissioner and mayor. Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton must take positive steps to address this issue by enacting a zero tolerance policy for police brutality.”

BACKGROUND

72% of New Yorkers polled believe police brutality is a very serious or somewhat serious problem in New York City
96% of Black New Yorkers and 73% of Latina/o New Yorkers polled believe police brutality is a very serious or somewhat serious problem in New York City

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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/
Follow CPR on Twitter: @Changethenypd
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