For Real Reform, an End to Unlawful Searches Must Accompany New NYPD Policy on Marijuana

Today, Communities United for Police Reform (CPR), a leading voice for change of the NYPD, released the following statement on Mayor de Blasio’s reported plan to require the NYPD to issue tickets for low-level marijuana possession instead of making arrests:

“This policy shift from Mayor de Blasio is a positive step forward. But real reform requires an end to unlawful searches, since they are a main driver of unlawful marijuana arrests. If marijuana ticketing targets black and brown New Yorkers, it will only perpetuate racial profiling and discriminatory policing. An end to unlawful searches would help the NYPD actually rebuild trust and regain credibility in communities of color. Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton must transform how the police interact with vulnerable New Yorkers.

“Even with the shift from arrests to ticketing, many New Yorkers may still be abused by the police through broken windows tactics and harassment related to so-called quality-of-life infractions. There is a long way to go before we see an improved and non-discriminatory NYPD,” said Priscilla Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for Communities United for Police Reform (CPR).

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