REMARKS
Council Member Yusef Salaam on NYPD investigation procedures and wrongful conviction
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3 min
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 emphasize the importance of examining current practices, the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to evidence-based practices within law enforcement to mitigate the risks of wrongful convictions.
The council member shares his personal connection to the issue, highlights the potential for injustices to erode public trust in the criminal justice system, and calls for meaningful reform. Salaam invites representatives from the NYPD and stakeholders to engage in the discussion and share insights on improving investigative practices and collaboration efforts.
Yusef Salaam
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I'm council member Youssef Salam, chair of the committee on public safety.
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I'm joined by council members Joseph, Keban, Osea, areola, holding and Paladino, and by our public advocate, Jammani Williams.
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Today, we gather for a crucial oversight hearing to examine NYPD's investigation, investigative procedures, and safeguards relating to wrongful conviction.
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I wanna begin by thanking representatives from the NYPD for coming in this morning to provide testimony on this very crucial and critical issue.
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As some of you may imagine, this topic holds a particular weight.
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To not only just myself, but also members of my community and many members of the community that we represent.
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And many members of the communities that are represented by our council member's city here, seated here.
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My story is one that has been shared in these chambers on a number of occasions.
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Today, we will hear about the unfortunate stories of individuals who have been run over by the Spike Wilson Justice.
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Whose stories unfortunately never made it to these halls.
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As I know from lived experience, wrong call convictions.
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Cause irreparable damage to the individuals, their families, and their communities.
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These miscarriages of justice also can contribute to an erosion of the public trust in the criminal justice system.
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Research has shown that certain police practices and investigative techniques can significantly contribute to the occurrence of wrongful convictions.
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In recent years, there has been significant public attention and advocacy efforts surrounding the needs to provide police practices to to provide improved police practices to minimize the risk of wrongful convictions.
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Communities, advocates, and legal experts have called for greater transparency, accountability, and adherence.
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To evidence based practices within law enforcement.
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Whether through these, whether through the use of lineups or witness identification procedures, that are prone to to to to suspect misidentification.
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The use of course of investigation, investigation tactics, or inconsistencies in video recording of interrogations.
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There is a moral necessity for police departments to examine their internal practices and ensure steps are taken to mitigate the risk of wrongful convictions.
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Today's hearing provides us with a vital opportunity to engage with the NYPD on its efforts to prevent wrongful convictions and to promote the use of evidence based investigative practices.
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We also hope to hear from the NYPD on their effort to improve collaboration, and information sharing with the offices of our city district attorneys and public defenders.
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Most importantly, this hearing serves as a platform for directly impacted individuals, legal defenders, advocates, and other stakeholders to share insight on ongoing issues within the NYPD that can contribute to these wrongful convictions.
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And to propose recommendations for meaningful reform.
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I invite our friends from the NYPD to stick around as members of the public share their stories and real lived experiences that necessitates the implementation of these reforms with us this morning.
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Thank you again for your participation in this crucial and critical discussion.
