CPR Statement Re: Daily News Analysis of Summonses and NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services Data

In response to a Daily News analysis of summonses for minor infractions, and New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services data for the first five months of 2014, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from Priscilla Gonzalez.

“The Daily News analysis of summonses for petty infractions that shows Black and Latino New Yorkers targeted at a rate 6 times higher than their white counterparts is further evidence of the discriminatory impact of an abusive broken windows-style of policing that is occurring overwhelmingly in communities of color. The additional disparity in misdemeanor arrests, with 86% being of Black and Latino New Yorkers in the first five months of the year as shown in New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services data, only adds to the clear body of evidence that minor, non-violent infractions are being enforced far more heavily in certain communities. Commissioner Bratton has said the NYPD “must enforce the laws of the State of New York uniformly throughout all the five boroughs,” but disparities seen in the data contradict the notion that this is the reality in our city. It’s time to address the fact that this type of policing is targeting our communities, just like stop-and-frisk abuses and too often with severe consequences that deepen the divide between communities and the police and inequality. We want the police to do their jobs, but selectively harassing certain communities for minor issues while not others is not the way and only distracts from addressing serious crimes and violence.”

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.

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