City to fully embrace stop-and-frisk reform, pledges respect for every New Yorker’s constitutional rights
Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a historic agreement in the Floyd vs. City of New York case,
taking steps to end the years-long legal battle that found the overuse
of stop-and-frisk unconstitutional. Standing with plaintiffs, Police
Commissioner Bill Bratton and incoming Corporation Counsel Zach Carter
in Brownsville, Brooklyn, 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. And 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,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“We will not break the
law to enforce the law. That’s my solemn promise to every New Yorker,
regardless of where they were born, where they live, or what they look
like. Those values aren’t at odds with keeping New Yorkers safe—they are
essential to long-term public safety. We are committed to fulfilling
our obligations under this agreement as we protect and serve this great
city,” said Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.
Under the agreement with
plaintiffs announced today, a court-appointed monitor will serve for
three years, overseeing the NYPD’s reform of its stop-and-frisk policy.
The monitor is empowered to report to federal court on the city’s
progress meeting its obligation to abide by the United States
Constitution. The city will also take part in a joint process with
community stakeholders to ensure people affected by stop-and-frisk play
an active role in shaping reform.
