New York City Council
Committee on Public Safety
Feb 26, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 58 min
Summary
A hearing on NYPD's investigation procedures and wrongful convictions. Discussions focused on improving transparency, accountability, and evidence-based practices to prevent wrongful convictions, and legislative reforms. Features testimony from NYPD and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Yusef Salaam on NYPD investigation procedures and wrongful conviction
In this chapter, Council Member Yusef Salam, chair of the committee on public safety, addresses a oversight hearing on NYPD's investigation procedures and the issue of wrongful convictions. The remarks …
0:01:02
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3 min
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on wrongful convictions and the need for police transparency and accountability
In this chapter Public Advocate Jumaane Williams speaks on the need for police transparency and the need to address wrongful convictions in New York City. He highlighted the importance of …
0:05:02
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4 min
Joseph Kenny, Chief of Detectives of the NYPD, on Efforts to Ensure Integrity of Convictions and Prevent Wrongful Convictions
Joseph Kenny, the chief of detectives of the New York City Police Department, presents a comprehensive testimony on efforts to ensure the integrity of convictions and prevent wrongful convictions. He …
0:10:36
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6 min
Does the NYPD Review Procedures After Identifying a Pattern of Wrongful Convictions?
Council Member Salaam inquires about the NYPD's procedure for conducting broader review of cases after identifying wrongful convictions, particularly focusing on instances involving specific officer misconduct or flawed investigative methods. …
0:16:59
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141 sec
Does the NYPD Audit Investigations After a Wrongful Conviction is Overturned?
Council Member Salaam inquires about the NYPD's procedure for conducting broader reviews of cases after identifying wrongful convictions. The NYPD details their response upon notification of a wrongful conviction, including …
0:19:32
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60 sec
How Much Time and Money Does the NYPD Spend on Interrogations?
Council Member poses a question regarding the time and financial resources the NYPD allocates to interrogations. The NYPD representative explains that the duration and cost of interrogations can vary significantly. …
0:21:08
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27 sec
Has Video Recording Interrogations Reduced False Confessions?
Council Member Osse inquires if the implementation of video recorded interrogations has led to a decline in false confessions and wrongful convictions. The NYPD representative states they are unaware of …
0:21:35
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67 sec
What Accommodations Does NYPD Provide During Interrogation for Vulnerable Groups?
Council Member Osse asks about the accommodations the NYPD provides for vulnerable groups such as children, individuals with intellectual disabilities, or those with limited English proficiency during interrogation. The response …
0:22:42
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78 sec
Why Does NYPD Not Use Double Blind Identification Procedures Despite Recommendation From Experts?
Council Member Osse inquires why the NYPD does not employ double blind identification procedures, despite recommendations from experts. In response, an NYPD representative clarifies that such procedures have been implemented …
0:24:01
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80 sec
Is the Double Blind Identification Process Available Upon Defense Attorney Request?
Council Member Osse asks if a double blind identification process is granted upon a defense attorney's request. The NYPD representative clarifies that all photo arrays are inherently double blind. Furthermore, …
0:25:21
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81 sec
Council Member Caban Inquires About NYPD Misidentification Incident
Council Member Caban questions the NYPD on a 2015 misidentification incident involving their Latent Print Section and the subsequent audit. Neil Fenton from the NYPD provides answers, sharing that no …
0:27:14
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6 min
Why Is DNA a Sound Investigative Approach in Crime Investigations?
Council Member Ariola asks why using DNA, either through consent or abandonment, is considered a sound approach in investigations. An NYPD representative explains DNA's role as the "gold standard" in …
0:34:07
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112 sec
How Do You Ensure Double Blind Photo Arrays Are a Fair Practice?
Council Member Ariola inquires about the fairness of double blind photo array procedures. The NYPD explains the process of creating and administering these arrays to ensure fairness. The process involves …
0:36:18
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112 sec
How Is the Unsealing and Administration of Photo Arrays Conducted During Lineups?
Council Member Ariola inquires about the procedure for unsealing and administering photo arrays during lineups, specifically questioning the involvement of the arrested individual and their attorney in this process. The …
0:38:11
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51 sec
What Recent Steps Have Improved Fairness and Impartiality in NYPD Investigations?
Council Member Ariola inquires about recent measures the NYPD has implemented to enhance fairness and impartiality in criminal investigations. The response highlights the initiation of video interrogations as a significant …
0:39:06
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100 sec
Council Member Yusef Salaam on Reflecting Personal Experience with Wrongful Conviction
Council Member Yusef Salaam reflects on their personal journey through the criminal legal system, detailing their wrongful conviction and its aftermath. He shares the distressing experience of being wrongfully implicated …
0:40:54
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165 sec
Does the NYPD oppose requirements that lineups be conducted using double blind procedures, and if so, why?
In this discussion, Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the NYPD's stance on double blind procedures for conducting lineups, questioning if there is opposition and the reasons behind it. An …
0:43:39
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125 sec
Council Member Yusef Salaam on Police Contributions and the Need for Balance
Council Member Yusef Salaam discusses the need for recognizing both the positive and negative impacts of police officers' actions on community perceptions. While addressing the importance of acknowledging the significant …
0:45:44
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58 sec
What Circumstances Require the Utilization of Lineups?
Council Member inquires about specific circumstances and procedures related to the utilization of police lineups, particularly seeking clarity on when and how they are implemented compared to photo arrays. An …
0:46:43
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109 sec
Are procedures in place right now to review all cases that have been adjudicated to ensure no wrongful convictions?
Council Member Yusef Salaam, citing his role with the Innocence Project, questions the NYPD on their procedures for reviewing adjudicated cases to ensure no wrongful convictions. The NYPD's response outlines …
0:48:47
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6 min
How Do Procedures Address Past Wrongful Convictions Like the Central Park Jogger Case?
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about procedures concerning past wrongful convictions, specifically referencing the Central Park Jogger case. He expresses concern about the lack of complete video recordings during the …
0:55:28
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157 sec
Council Member Yusef Salaam Discusses the Lasting Impact of Laws from the Central Park Jogger Case
Council Member Yusef Salaam discusses the profound impact of the Central Park Jogger case on juvenile law in New York and across the United States. He highlights how this case …
0:58:06
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64 sec
How Do Detectives Manage a 500 Case Workload?
Council Member Robert Holden inquires about the overwhelming workload detectives face, referencing situations where a detective may handle up to 500 cases annually. Responding officials acknowledge this as a city-wide …
0:59:51
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100 sec
How Does the NYPD Navigate Discovery Requirements for Sharing Video Metadata?
Council Member Robert Holden asks about the NYPD's approach to meeting the complex requirements of discovery laws, specifically regarding the handling and sharing of video metadata. The department explains the …
1:01:31
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3 min
How Do You Address Photo Array Identifications When Witnesses Cannot Identify Suspects Due to Similar Appearances?
Council Member Holden inquires about the issue of witnesses struggling to identify suspects in photo arrays due to overly similar appearances among the choices presented. The discussion explores the integrity …
1:04:56
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3 min
Council Member Althea Stevens Critiques NYPD's Perception of Scrutiny vs. Transparency
Council Member Althea Stevens addresses the NYPD's repeated mentions of being under scrutiny. She argues that demands for transparency are often misconceived as undue scrutiny, especially given the NYPD's significant …
1:08:17
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43 sec
Does AI in Photo Array Assembly Risk Introducing Bias?
Council Member Althea Stevens inquires if artificial intelligence (AI) used in assembling photo arrays for identification processes might introduce biases. The NYPD representative acknowledges not knowing the specifics of the …
1:09:01
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67 sec
What Percentage of Juvenile Interrogations Occur Without Parents?
Council Member Althea Stevens inquires about the percentage of juvenile interrogations conducted with and without the presence of parents or guardians. The NYPD representative elaborates on challenges accessing specific data …
1:10:08
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100 sec
Are We Moving Towards Providing Minors with Lawyers During Interrogations?
Council Member Althea Stevens inquires about other states' policies of prohibiting interrogations with minors without legal assistance and questions why NYC isn't moving in that direction. The NYPD representative acknowledges …
1:11:48
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161 sec
Would the NYPD support a policy prohibiting the interrogation of minors without a lawyer present?
A New York City Council member inquires if the NYPD would endorse a policy preventing the interrogation of minors without the presence of a lawyer, highlighting concerns about the fairness …
1:14:31
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4 min
Council Member Vickie Paladino's Inquiry on the Release of Guilty Individuals Due to Insufficient Evidence
Council Member Vickie Paladino questions the rationale behind releasing individuals who may indeed be guilty due to insufficient evidence, as influenced by discovery laws. She seeks to understand how the …
1:19:12
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7 min
Council Member Caban's Inquiry on Accessing NYPD's 'Finest' System for Discovery
Council Member Caban investigates the NYPD's policy of not permitting district attorney's office personnel direct access to the 'Finest' data management system for document retrieval. The conversation uncovers the challenges …
1:27:32
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100 sec
Council member's inquiry on the rationale for redacting officer disciplinary records
The excerpt involves an unnamed council member seeking clarification on why the NYPD redacts disciplinary records of officers involved in cases, especially when these records could significantly impact cases including …
1:29:12
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108 sec
Would the NYPD consider adopting a policy similar to Seattle, which prohibits officers from knowingly making false statements to elicit confessions?
Speaker 10 inquires whether the NYPD would consider adopting a policy similar to one recently enacted in Seattle. This policy prohibits officers from knowingly making false statements to elicit confessions. …
1:31:04
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41 sec
Does the NYPD lab still conduct bite mark analysis testing?
The inquiry made by Speaker 10 about whether the NYPD lab still conducts bite mark analysis testing was addressed by Speaker 11. Speaker 11 confirmed that their lab does not …
1:31:49
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94 sec
What Are the Differences Between Exonerated, Vacated, and Wrongful Convictions?
Council Member Ariola seeks clarification on the distinctions between exonerated, vacated, and wrongful convictions. Speaker 6 explains that 'vacated' refers to a court's dismissal of a case from the record, …
1:33:29
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173 sec
Is the NYPD Willing to Publish Its Policies and Procedures Online?
Council Member Youssef Salaam inquires whether the NYPD is willing to publish its policies, procedures, and quality management systems online, similar to Department of Justice crime laboratories. The inquiry stems …
1:36:57
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122 sec
Jacqueline Gosdigian, Senior Policy Counsel with Brooklyn Defender Service, on NYPD's impact on wrongful convictions
Jacqueline Gosdigian, Senior Policy Counsel provides detailed testimony on the negative impact of NYPD practices on wrongful convictions Gosdigian criticizes the NYPD for their handling of discovery, evidence, forensic science, …
1:43:46
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3 min
Cassandra Kelly, Policy Attorney, Legal Aid Society, on NYPD Misconduct and Wrongful Convictions
Cassandra Kelly, from the Legal Aid Society, testifies on the pervasive issues within the NYPD leading to wrongful convictions, highlighting the initial police encounter's role in eventual wrongful charges. She …
1:47:23
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170 sec
Dr. Sarah Chu, Director of Paul in Reform, from the Pearl Motors Center for Legal Justice at Cardozo Law School Testifies on NYPD Forensic Practices
Dr. Sarah Chu, drawing from her experience at both the Pearl Motors Center for Legal Justice at Cardozo Law School and the Innocence Project, critiques the NYPD's approach to forensic …
1:50:16
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3 min
Bruce Brian, Client Advocate from Queen's Defenders, Testifies on Police Tactics and Wrongful Convictions
Bruce Brian, a client advocate at Queen's Defenders, shares his personal story of wrongful conviction and serves as a critical example in his testimony against harmful police tactics. Having served …
1:53:28
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4 min
Public Defender on the Impact of Modern Reforms and Addressing Wrongful Convictions
In this chapter, the speaker delves into a discussion regarding significant recent reforms in the justice system, such as discovery reform, videotaping confessions, and the use of body cam footage, …
1:59:00
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3 min
Beth Schwartz on Rising Anti-Semitism and Public Safety Concerns in New York City
Beth Schwartz offers her testimony to the council, presenting a personal narrative to underline rising anti-Semitism and public safety concerns. Beth, a long-time resident of Manhattan and a mother in …
2:02:29
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55 sec
Beth Schwartz Clarifying Her Testimony on Safety and Anti-Semitism
This testimony discusses the growing concern over safety and anti-Semitism in New York City, as described by a city council meeting attendee named Beth Schwartz. Beth highlights recent aggressive protests …
2:03:24
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96 sec
Andrew Testifies on Law Enforcement Harassment and Requests Investigation
Andrew shares personal experiences of enduring harassment by law enforcement, including being wrongly accused and assaulted in both Chicago and New York. He highlights difficulties in obtaining police reports and …
2:07:42
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149 sec
Attendee on the Impact of Racial Profiling and Systemic Issues in Law Enforcement
An attendee provides testimony about the personal ramifications of racial profiling and systemic failures within the law enforcement system, sharing a personal story of wrongful conviction in 1988, the loss …
2:10:23
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162 sec
Les Garson on Public Safety and Anti-Semitic Violence in New York City
Les Garson speaks about feeling unsafe in New York City due to anti-Semitic violence and protests following the Hamas attacks on Israel. She shares personal experiences of fear and lack …
2:13:45
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4 min
Attendee Testifies on Misinformation and Wrongful Convictions Regarding Protests Against Israel
An attendee discusses misinformation fueling wrongful convictions and protests against Israel. The speaker argues that protests against Israel are based on lies and misunderstanding.
2:18:31
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4 min
Tanisha Grant, Executive Director of Parent Support at Parents New York, on The Impact of Wrongful Convictions on Communities and the Need for Reform
Tanisha Grant, introducing herself as the executive director of Parent Support and Moms United of Black Lives New York City, testified about the severe impact of wrongful convictions on communities, …
2:24:01
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117 sec
Susan Gottlieb Testifies on Safety Concerns and Anti-Semitic Violence
Susan Gottlieb, a New York City citizen, testifies on her safety concerns and the rise of anti-Semitic violence in New York City. She shares personal experiences and highlights a significant …
2:27:01
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166 sec
Jan Testifies on Enforcing Laws to Protect Minority Communities and Address Public Safety
Jan testifies on the necessity of enforcing laws rigorously to protect minority communities and address public safety concerns. Highlighting the current threat to the Jewish community, Jan urges the NYPD …
2:30:02
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122 sec
Contentious Moment Between Christopher Leon Johnson and Council Member Yusef Salaam
A contentious debate unfolds between Christopher Leon Johnson and Council Member Yusef Salaam during a hearing focused on wrongful convictions. Johnson accuses Salaam of censoring Jewish voices and misrepresenting events, …
2:32:09
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3 min
Attendee on wrongful conviction, denying assault, seeking justice, and challenges with the NYPD and criminal justice system
An attendee testified about their experience with the criminal justice system, including a wrongful conviction for assault on a court officer which they denied committing. They detailed their arrest on …
2:36:52
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4 min
Monique Silverman on the shock of wrongful convictions and desire to support reforms
Monique Silverman testifies for the first time about her shock and dismay at learning about wrongful convictions. She expresses her sincere interest in supporting reform efforts, specifically mentioning a freedom …
2:43:54
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126 sec
Betsy Smoulder on public safety, anti-Semitic threats, and police support in New York City
Betsy Smoulder shares her concerns about the growing fear within her family and community due to recent anti-Semitic threats and incidents in New York City. She recounts a horrifying instance …
2:46:06
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111 sec
Attendee on the pendulum swing regarding wrongful convictions and public safety concerns during protests
An attendee expresses concerns about the pendulum having swung too far in avoiding wrongful convictions, especially in the context of protests. They argue that this has led to a lack …
2:49:03
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175 sec
Amanda Wallwin, State Policy Advocate with the Innocence Project, on police investigation practices contributing to wrongful convictions and offering solutions
Amanda Wallwin, a state policy advocate with the Innocence Project, testified about how police investigation practices can contribute to wrongful convictions in New York City. She thanked the public safety …
2:52:35
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164 sec
Nadia Gutarova Testifies on Safety Concerns for Jewish Community in NYC
Nadia Gutarova, a resident of New York and a mother, offers testimony about her experience of feeling unsafe in the city due to her Jewish identity. She expresses concern for …
2:55:35
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62 sec
Resident Testifies on Safety Concerns in Harlem Due to Crime and Shelter Opening
A Harlem resident voices their safety concerns at the council meeting, highlighting issues with non-citizens committing crimes and being released. The testifier shares personal experiences of feeling unsafe when returning …
2:56:44
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48 sec