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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alan Abraham, Representative from Communities United for Police Reform on NYPD's Use of Stop and Frisk and Other Investigative Encounters
3:25:35
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153 sec
Alan Abraham, representing Communities United for Police Reform, testified about ongoing racial disparities in NYPD's stop and frisk practices and other investigative encounters. He emphasized the importance of police transparency and accountability, particularly in light of recent data from the How Many Stops Act.
- Highlighted racial disparities in Level 1 and Level 2 encounters, with Black and Latino New Yorkers disproportionately targeted
- Criticized Mayor Adams and the NYPD for efforts to dismantle accountability and oversight mechanisms
- Called for a transformation of the city's approach to public safety, minimizing reliance on law enforcement and investing in community services
Alan Abraham
3:25:35
Thank you to public safety committee chair Salaam and council members who are concerned about the n I p NYPD's use of stop and frisk and other investigative encounters.
3:25:44
My name's Alan Abraham, and I'm speaking on behalf of Communities United for Police Reform.
3:25:49
We're an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory and abusive policing practices in New York that's been operating for over a decade.
3:25:57
The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs and from all walks of life and represent many of those unfairly targeted by the NYPD.
3:26:05
As judge Shenlin noted in her August 2023 remedy opinion, nothing can replace the unique and vital expertise of directly impacted communities, and whether reforms are viewed as legitimate by our communities is of primary importance.
3:26:20
The how many stops section is now the law of the land, and although it's one and although it's only one quarter of data, we're already seeing the continued targeting of black and brown communities in police civilian encounters.
3:26:30
And there are clear racial disparities between which communities are subject to level 1 and 2 encounters.
3:26:35
It's unacceptable that black and light New Yorkers make up 68% of level 1 encounters across NYPD precincts, even though they're only half of the city's population.
3:26:46
This discrepancy is even more egregious when it comes to level 2 encounters where black and white New Yorkers make up 87% of the total encounters.
3:26:54
This data shows exactly why HMSA was passed in the first place.
3:26:58
Without full transparency, these racist policing practices would continue in the shadows.
3:27:04
Police transparency and accountability are more important now than ever given the current mayoral administration.
3:27:09
Since taking office, Mayor Adams, a recently indicted former police officer, and NYPD have systematically worked to dismantle accountability and oversight.
3:27:18
This ranges from his failed attempts to block HMSA, his funding cuts to CCRB, and his failure to address the fact that his former commissioner tossed out over 400 misconduct cases, including stop and frisk abuses without even looking at them, and proceeded to weaken the NYPD discipline matrix just days before submitting his resignation.
3:27:36
It's a staggering cycle of corruption.
3:27:38
It's clear that the NYPD and the mayor put the protection of the police ahead of the protection of everyday New Yorkers Until the NYPD is fully transparent and held accountable and officers are fired for their misconduct, abuses of power will continue.
3:27:54
Strapped.
3:27:54
But up, together, all these factors call for the city to transform its approach to public safety and minimize reliance on law enforcement so that we can maximize investments in services and infrastructure for our communities that actually promote safety.
3:28:07
Thank you.