Written by Adam Bermudez
Photo c/o nyc.gov.
An agreement was announced today in the years-long legal battle that
found the overuse of stop-and-frisk unconstitutional. Mayor Bill
DeBlasio explained the agreement which involves federal monitoring of
the NYD. The Mayor pledged to reunite police with communities across
the city and to respect the constitutional rights of every New Yorker.
“This is a defining moment in our history. It’s a defining moment for
millions of our families, especially those with young men of color,”
said De Blasio. “It will lay the foundation for not only keeping us
the safest big city in America, but making us safer still. This will
be one city, where everyone’s rights are respected, and where police
and community stand together to confront violence.”
New Police Commissioner Bill Bratton echoed the mayors sentiments on
respecting New Yorkers’ civil rights.
“We will not break the law to enforce the law,” said Bratton. “That’s
my solemn promise to every New Yorker, regardless of where they were
born, where they live, or what they look like.”
The agreement calls for a court-appointed monitor, empowered to report
to federal court on the city’s progress to serve for three years,
overseeing the reform of the stop-and-frisk policy. The city will also
work with community stakeholders to ensure city residents affected by
stop-and-frisk play an active role in shaping policy reforms.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was thrilled about the Mayor’s
announcement and the new reforms to the police department.
“The NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy has driven a wedge between the
police and our communities, and today’s decision is a major step
toward rebuilding that trust,” said the Borough President. “I am
proud today to stand with Mayor De Blasio, elected officials,
advocates and others as this important decision is made. Together, we
can move forward and ensure that our streets remain safe and the
people of this great city are treated with respect,”
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