Q&A
NYPD official explains when officers can leave the scene of an illegal lockout
0:45:46
·
124 sec
Josh Levin from NYPD explains the circumstances under which officers can leave the scene of an illegal lockout. The discussion covers the resolution process and officer discretion.
- Officers generally leave once there's a resolution to the issue, such as the landlord agreeing to let the tenant back in
- The decision to leave can depend on various factors, including the specific situation and the comfort level of the complainant
- Emphasis on the need for flexibility in handling different scenarios while ensuring tenant safety
Sandy Nurse
0:45:46
Very open to discretion is what I'm saying.
0:45:48
But I'll I'll move on, because it's this isn't really a hearing about, how what you all are doing.
0:45:57
It's just trying to illuminate the fact that on the ground, it gets really fuzzy, and people are not always in their best moment, and so determinations that are made don't always, in my experience watching it, don't always work out in favor for people who are the occupants there.
0:46:15
When is an officer off the hook to leave?
0:46:18
Like, what are the things that need to be in place for the officer to be like, we can leave this elite we this unlawful lockout?
Josh Levin
0:46:28
I'll talk in generalities because, obviously, every situation is different, and also there could, god forbid, be an emergency, shots fired, or something else that's gonna call resources to the scene, especially if it's nearby.
0:46:39
Right?
0:46:40
But, generally, a resolution of the issue is something that would trigger an officer being able to leave.
0:46:47
And so, for example, officers, if they do determine that there is an illegal eviction, will call or attempt to get in touch with the landlord or a representative of the landlord or a super, have a conversation, say, buddy, listen.
0:47:00
This, this, this, this.
0:47:01
You can't just lock this.
0:47:02
You gotta go through the you can't do this.
0:47:04
And then the person will come down, let them back in, and we will write a summons or take an arrest based off what happens.
Sandy Nurse
0:47:10
And so if you determine that, you can't this this is an unlawful situation, do officers are officers supposed to leave until that person is let back in, or can it just be a verbal agreement with the super?
0:47:24
Like, what's the full
Josh Levin
0:47:26
I I think it depends on the facts on the ground.
0:47:28
Like, if the landlord picks up and they're like, listen.
0:47:30
I've been fighting with them, but okay.
0:47:32
Fine.
0:47:32
We're gonna come right down and let them in.
0:47:34
And an officer also speaks to the complainant, and the complainant's like, I'm I'm comfortable waiting here for them to let me back.
0:47:39
Let's say it's 11 o'clock PM.
0:47:41
I'm comfortable.
0:47:42
I think it would be up to an officer's discretion to say this job is accomplished.
0:47:45
And then if there is further follow-up, we will then return to the scene and do whatever we need to do.
