NY Police Reform Campaign Responds to Bronx DA Dropping Charges Against Pedro Hernandez

Campaign calls for Governor Cuomo to Authorize Office of NY Attorney General As Special Prosecutor to Investigate 42nd Precinct, NYPD and Bronx DA’s Office

In response to the Bronx District Attorney’s office dropping charges against Pedro Hernandez, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Monifa Bandele.

“It is positive that charges have been dropped against Pedro Hernandez. His case and the extensive allegations of misconduct by officers in the 42nd Precinct, NYPD, and the Bronx District Attorney’s office raise serious concerns that must be thoroughly and independently investigated. It’s critical that any misconduct be curtailed and ferreted out of the justice system, and we call on Governor Cuomo to authorize the New York Attorney General's office to serve as an independent special prosecutor to investigate these serious claims against the 42nd Precinct, 1 Police Plaza and the Office of the Bronx District Attorney. The potential miscarriages of justice against numerous Bronx residents that are alleged to be widely systemic undermine trust in the justice system. There is an opportunity to proactively prevent such possible acts of misconduct from ruining lives and communities any further than they may already have, and timely action is imperative.”


BACKGROUND

·         This latest case against Pedro Hernandez dropped by the Bronx District Attorney is the sixth serious case against him by the NYPD/Bronx DA that was dismissed/dropped in the span of about two years, as highlighted among multiple other allegations of misconduct by the 42nd Precinct, NYPD and Bronx DA’s office in the Expose the Quota series (http://www.exposethequota.com/).

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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