Bipartisan City Council Members Call for Rejection of Controversial NYPD Settlement Agreement
Bipartisan City Council Members Call for Rejection of Controversial NYPD Settlement Agreement
A group of City Council members, representing both Republicans and Democrats, is urging a federal judge to reject a controversial settlement agreement that would require the NYPD to scale back enforcement during street protests. The Council’s nine-member Common Sense Caucus supports a motion by the Police Benevolent Association to eliminate the agreement, warning that it will hinder the police from preventing riots and make the city a more dangerous place.
Concerns Over Reactive Policing
The Council members argue that the settlement would make police officers reactive rather than proactive, causing hesitation when assertiveness is needed. They believe that these new procedures would ultimately make the city more dangerous and undesirable. Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli (R-SI), along with five other Republicans and three Democrats on the caucus, expressed these concerns in a letter to Manhattan federal Judge Colleen McMahon.
Hearing Scheduled to Discuss Proposal
Judge McMahon is set to hold a hearing on Monday at 2 p.m. to consider the proposal to eliminate the settlement agreement. The agreement, announced in September as part of a resolution to lawsuits regarding excessive force during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations, includes reforms for handling demonstrations that still require the judge’s approval.
Restrictions on Police Response
Under the settlement agreement, police officers would be required to follow a time-consuming, four-tiered response system that involves obtaining approval from off-site commanders before making arrests. The tactic of “kettling,” which involves confining protesters to a small area before making arrests, would also be banned. Although the letter from the Council members does not specifically mention “kettling,” Borelli believes that it should be allowed in certain circumstances.
Protests and Safety Risks
The letter highlights the city’s current struggles with daily protests, which pose safety risks to both police officers and the public. These protests have also had negative effects on the economy and overall quality of life in the city. According to the Police Benevolent Association’s lawyers, nearly 400 police officers were injured during the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in NYC.
Mayor Adams’ Regrets
The Police Benevolent Association urged Judge McMahon to consider comments made by Mayor Adams on December 26. The mayor expressed regrets about agreeing to the settlement and stated that anyone who polices the city should be concerned about its contents. The city’s Law Department and the Mayor’s Office have not responded to requests for comment.
