Q&A
Mastro's record on policing and police accountability
2:25:30
·
107 sec
Council Member Hudson questions Mastro about his record on policing and police accountability. She emphasizes the importance of the Corporation Counsel's role in assessing police misconduct cases and making ethical decisions.
- Hudson stresses the need for an attorney with high ethical standards and understanding of structural racism
- She highlights the Corporation Counsel's role in defending NYPD officers against civil rights claims
- Hudson questions whether Mastro's record demonstrates the necessary qualities for this role
Crystal Hudson
2:25:30
Thank you for your participation in today's seetings, I'd like to speak with you about your record on policing and police accountability.
2:25:37
Among other work, the lot department, and in particular, its special federal litigation division, is responsible for defending NYPD Office against civil rights claims, including allegations of excessive use of force, unlawful arrest, and illegal search and seizure.
2:25:52
The corporation counsel plays a vital role in assessing the cases where the city needs to admit its officers were at fault and must be held accountable and conversely, the cases where the city and its officers acted justly and need to be defended with the full might of the department's resources.
2:26:10
This calculation is not purely a legal one.
2:26:13
There are times when the city could make a legal argument, but when taking fairness and equity into account, it should not because it is not what justice requires.
2:26:21
In making these calls, the corporation counsel needs to prioritize what is morally right for our city and our citizens over what is politically expedient.
2:26:30
Making the right call requires an attorney with the highest ethical standards.
2:26:34
Someone who knows right from wrong and has a track record of making the morally right choice even if it is a politically damaging one.
2:26:41
Making the right call requires an attorney who understands that police violence is often the product of structural racism and causes generational trauma.
2:26:49
Making the right call requires an attorney who understands that given when given an opportunity to play a role in ending structural racism in our police force, they will do so.
2:26:58
Making the right call requires an attorney who has demonstrated in his or her career that they have no tolerance for racial injustice or policing without accountability and that they have stood boldly against those societal l's.
2:27:11
You, Mister Maestro, have a long record on these issues that the council and public can judge you on.