CPR Statement Re: Results of Quinnipiac Poll on Establishing NYPD Inspector General, Stop-and-Frisk

Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) released the following statement today from spokesperson Joo-Hyun Kang on the results of the Quinnipiac poll released today showing an overwhelming majority of New York City voters support creating an inspector general for the NYPD (66% - 25%) and do not believe it will make the city less safe (86% - 8%), and a majority remain opposed to the Bloomberg administration’s stop-and-frisk policy. 

“Today’s poll results show that New Yorkers overwhelmingly do not believe Mayor Bloomberg’s empty rhetoric that improving oversight of the NYPD will make the city less safe, and want an inspector general for the NYPD. New Yorkers disapprove of Bloomberg and Kelly’s stop-and-frisk policy, want the police department to have comparable levels of oversight as the FBI, CIA, FDNY and other city agencies, and see an administration whose third term has been devoted to being obstinate on these issues at their expense.

“As the opposition to discriminatory policing practices and support for reforms continue to grow, it’s clear that New Yorkers believe everyone deserves to be safe and have their rights protected in New York City. It’s disappointing that Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly would rather play politics and defend their longtime position that nothing is wrong than secure the rights and safety of all New Yorkers. In addition to establishing an inspector general, the time has also come for the City Council to pass the other Community Safety Act bills to ensure New Yorkers are no longer profiled simply because they are Black, Latina/o, LGBTQ, immigrants or Muslim.”

ABOUT COMMUNITIES UNITED FOR POLICE REFORM

Communities United for Police Reform is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, bringing 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. This groundbreaking campaign is fighting for reforms that will promote community safety while ensuring that the NYPD protects and serves all New Yorkers. Visit www.changethenypd.org to learn more about Communities United for Police Reform.

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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY SAFETY ACT

The Community Safety Act contains four important bills and is endorsed by over 100 organizations.

Intro 800 would ban profiling based on race, religion, immigration status, housing status, sexual orientation gender identity or expression, and other protected categories. 

Intro 799 would protect New Yorkers against unlawful searches by requiring officers to inform New Yorkers of their legal rights.

Intro 801 would require officers to identify themselves and explain why they are stopping someone.

Intro 881 would create a strong inspector general, with subpoena power, to investigate the policies and procedures of the NYPD.