New York – In light of Mayor Adam’s announcement to appoint Sanitation Chief Jessica Tisch as the new NYPD Police Commissioner and to increase the Police Department’s headcount to 34,000 officers, Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) issued the following statement from Ileana Mendez-Penate, Program Director with CPR.
“Since taking office, Mayor Adams has consistently made decisions that criminalize and hurt New Yorkers. Sadly, yesterday’s announcements demonstrate that the mayor is not serious about the real safety of New Yorkers or holding the NYPD accountable to the increased police violence and misconduct that have occurred under his administration.
“As Sanitation Commissioner, Tisch led the department to an unprecedented attack on homeless New Yorkers, was named a defendant in litigation that accuses the city of cruelly and unconstitutionally removing encampments of people who are homeless, and expanded the inhumane treatment of people through the sanitation department’s police force.”
“Instead of prioritizing the wellbeing and safety of the city, especially Black, Latinx and other communities of color who are most directly impacted by NYPD abuse and divestments from critical services and programs, the mayor is increasing the uniform headcount of the NYPD, promoting someone who has overseen a department with a track record of violating civil rights and failing to invest in services that actually help people. These are exactly the wrong steps to take in ensuring that our city is safer for everyone.”
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 reduces reliance on policing. CPR runs coalitions of over 200 local, statewide and national organizations, 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 most unfairly targeted by the NYPD.