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Council Member Salaam discusses Intro 798 on abolishing NYPD's gang database
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Council Member Yusef Salaam provides an overview of Introduction 798, which seeks to abolish the NYPD's criminal group database (gang database) and prohibit the creation of any successor database with similar functions.
- Explains the NYPD's stance on the database as a vital law enforcement tool
- Highlights criticisms from advocacy groups, including concerns about vague criteria and disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities
- Mentions a recent investigation report that confirmed inconsistencies and inadequate oversight in the database
Yusef Salaam
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The committee will also hear introductions seven ninety eight sponsored by council member Stevens.
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Legislation that will abolish abolish the NYPD's criminal group database and prohibit the creation of any successor database with similar functions.
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The NYPD's criminal group database commonly known as the gang database is used by law enforcement to track alleged gang affiliations and criminal networks.
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The department maintains that gang database that the gang database is a vital law enforcement tool that assists criminal investigations and enhances public safety.
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However, advocacy groups have long criticized that the database due to concerns about vague criteria for adding individuals, a lack of notification to those listed, and the absence of an appeals process.
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These issues disproportionately affect black and Latino communities as over ninety nine percent of individuals in the database belong to these groups, which in turn can turn subject, which in turn can subject these populations to undue surveillance and harmful law enforcement interactions.
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A 02/2023 department investigation report confirmed inconsistent data entry practices and inadequate oversight of the gang database recommending significant reforms particularly for minors.
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Although the NYPD has revised some of its policies, key concerns remain.
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Effective policing must balance crime prevention with fairness, ensuring no system unfairly targets or stigmatize entire communities.
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As we will discuss these bills today, we must
Craig Lewis
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