Police Reform Campaign Responds to Mayor de Blasio's Executive Budget Not Including 1,000 Additional NYPD Staff

In response to Mayor de Blasio deciding against increase of 1,000 to NYPD headcount in his Executive Budget, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Joo-Hyun Kang.

"We're pleased that Mayor de Blasio took the right step forward for New York City by deciding against allocating nearly $100 million in additional funding to grow the NYPD headcount in his executive budget. While the mayor pointed to the reported number of stop-and-frisks being down and new NYPD training, there are concrete steps the City must take to address the core, systemic issues of discriminatory policing and the department's lack of accountability when there are incidents of abuse. Adding new positions within the NYPD is problematic for communities who've faced abusive and unjust treatment with impunity, and would come at the expense of more beneficial, holistic long-term investments in the health and safety of our neighborhoods. The final budget adopted by the mayor and Council should invest in essential services for our youth (like free school lunch and CUNY), seniors and communities rather than adding to a police department with one of the highest officer-to-resident ratios in the country."

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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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