Over 100 organizations and family members of New Yorkers killed by police joined Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) to urge New York State legislators to advance a full repeal of NYS 50-a. The law shields the records of law enforcement officers accused of misconduct from public view.
In a blunt letter addressed to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, police reforms advocates and families state that any attempts to just amend the law would be “harmful and counterproductive” at a time of a systemic crisis when there is a lack police transparency and accountability.
50a is the "nation's most secretive and least transparent law" used by municipalities to protect abusive officers and police departments.
The letter was signed by 85 organizations and 16 family members of New Yorkers killed by cops, including the mothers of Anthony Baez, Amadou Diallo, Eric Garner and Akai Gurley.
“Full repeal of 50-a is the only way to guarantee an end to officially sanctioned secrecy for police misconduct and the systemic lack of discipline and accountability for misconduct. The public should have the right to know how police departments respond when officers engage in misconduct,” the letter says.
The full letter is available here.
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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/
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