REMARKS
Council Member Holden emphasizes the dangers of policing and critiques the panel's perspective
1:02:05
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3 min
Council Member Robert F. Holden addresses the panel, highlighting the dangers of policing and criticizing what he perceives as a one-sided view of police encounters. He emphasizes the risks officers face daily, citing a recent incident where an officer was killed during a routine stop.
- Holden questions the panel's experience with ride-alongs and their understanding of police work.
- He recounts a specific incident where Officer Jonathan Diller was killed, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of police encounters.
- Holden argues for considering both sides of the issue, stressing that the majority of police officers are hardworking and risk their lives for New York City residents.
Robert F. Holden
1:02:05
Thank you, Chair.
1:02:07
And and thank you, panel.
1:02:09
How many attorneys are on this panel?
1:02:13
Okay.
1:02:14
Have you know, since you're an expert on policing, or or have have testified to that fact, have any of you done ride alongs?
1:02:26
You've done how many?
1:02:29
I can't hear you.
Babe Howell
1:02:30
1.
Robert F. Holden
1:02:30
Done one.
1:02:31
Okay.
Samah Sisay
1:02:32
I have not.
Robert F. Holden
1:02:34
Okay.
1:02:35
And would you admit that, policing is dangerous?
Samy Feliz
1:02:45
Can you admit that being black in America is dangerous?
Robert F. Holden
1:02:49
I didn't ask I didn't ask you, sir.
Jumaane Williams
1:02:51
Would you
Robert F. Holden
1:02:51
would you I didn't my questions are directed if we're gonna if we're gonna allow this, I may I ask the the 2 attorneys.
Samah Sisay
1:03:03
I just wanna highlight that the point of this panel is to uplift the experience of people who've been directly impacted, So I'm happy to answer the question as an attorney.
1:03:11
I think, you know, there are many instances where engaging in any type of interpersonal or 1 on 1 interaction can be dangerous.
Robert F. Holden
1:03:19
Of course.
Babe Howell
1:03:22
And I too will will say that especially engaging in proactive self initiated encounters, jumping out when you're not in uniform, those encounters are very dangerous.
1:03:34
And reducing stop and frisk and investigative encounters and making them responsive would make police safer and make our community safer.
Robert F. Holden
1:03:45
K.
1:03:45
On March 25th, police officer Jonathan Diller approached a vehicle with, 2 individuals inside.
1:03:55
He was shot and killed when he approached the vehicle.
1:03:58
The one one person, Guy Rivera, allegedly, shot him.
1:04:05
Guy Rivera had 21 prior arrests.
1:04:09
His, the guy that was driving, Lindy Jones, had 14 prior arrests and was out on bail for a weapons charge.
1:04:17
Now put yourself in those positions and just think of how dangerous this job is.
1:04:24
When you leave for the day, leave leave your wife and and child, young young wife and young child, and you go out into the streets of New York and are dealing with the most dangerous people.
1:04:34
It's not an exact science.
1:04:36
Things can happen.
1:04:37
Things can go very, very bad either way.
1:04:40
But I understand because I've done 3 ride alongs and I've seen officers who I've seen officers you may not like what I'm saying, but this is the truth.
1:04:52
This job is very, very dangerous.
1:04:56
And at any time, you can get shot, just like the streets of New York.
1:05:01
But you're dealing with the worst of society many times, especially the the special, units.
1:05:07
So we hear one side but sometimes we have to hear the other side and see and and, actually understand the other side.
1:05:18
That the the the police officers and the vast majority are hardworking.
1:05:24
They go out risking their lives for the citizens of New York City.
1:05:29
Thank you.
1:05:29
Thank you, chair.
Kezilar Cornish
1:05:34
Will we be able to say anything to that?
1:05:36
Or
