Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Public Safety
Apr 28, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 34 min
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Summary
A hearing on NYPD's parking and traffic enforcement efforts and related legislation.
Discussions focused on traffic safety strategies, racial disparities in enforcement, ghost cars, and proposed bills to address various concerns.
- The hearing examined the effectiveness and fairness of NYPD's enforcement efforts, including decreases in DWI arrests and towing of illegally parked vehicles.
- Council members pressed for explanations on racial disparities in traffic stops and searches.
- The hearing also covered potential automated enforcement technologies and the need for speed limiters in vehicles of repeat traffic offenders.
Features testimony from NYPD officials and the public, including families affected by traffic fatalities.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Yusef Salaam's opening remarks on NYPD parking and traffic enforcement hearing
Council Member Yusef Salaam, chair of the committee on public safety, opens the hearing on NYPD's parking and traffic enforcement efforts and related legislation. He outlines the key issues to …
0:00:22
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4 min
Introduction and overview of NYPD traffic enforcement
Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for the NYPD, introduces himself and provides an overview of the department's traffic enforcement efforts. He emphasizes the importance of traffic enforcement in ensuring …
0:05:30
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62 sec
Vision Zero high visibility corridors initiative
Levin describes the NYPD's Vision Zero high visibility corridors initiative, which targets areas with high concentrations of traffic incidents for increased enforcement. - Initiative identifies corridors with highest concentrations of …
0:06:32
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40 sec
Citywide traffic enforcement results and fatality reduction
Levin presents the positive outcomes of NYPD's broader traffic enforcement efforts across New York City, highlighting a significant decrease in traffic fatalities. - Traffic fatalities have decreased by 33% compared …
0:07:13
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20 sec
Bus lane enforcement efforts and results
Levin details the NYPD's efforts to enforce bus lane regulations, including the deployment of a specialized task force and the use of tow trucks. - Bus lane task force deploys …
0:07:33
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31 sec
Bike lane enforcement and vehicle removal
Levin outlines the NYPD's aggressive enforcement actions against vehicles parked in bike lanes, highlighting the number of summonses issued and vehicles towed. - 61,125 summonses issued for vehicles parked in …
0:08:05
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25 sec
Addressing reckless operation of micro-mobility devices
Levin discusses the NYPD's new comprehensive plan to address concerns about the reckless and unlawful operation of mopeds, scooters, e-bikes, and other micro-mobility devices. - Plan responds to recurring concerns …
0:08:30
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48 sec
Commentary on Intro 179: Tow pound capacity requirements
Levin provides the NYPD's perspective on Introduction 179, which would require the department to maintain adequate tow pound capacity and report on towing activity. - NYPD acknowledges the importance of …
0:09:20
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64 sec
Opposition to Intro 1252: License plate and VIN verification
Levin expresses the NYPD's strong opposition to Introduction 1252, which would require verification of license plates and VINs for all vehicles summoned for traffic or parking violations. - NYPD argues …
0:10:25
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80 sec
Ghost car enforcement operations and results
Levin describes the NYPD's targeted enforcement operations against vehicles with ghost plates and fraudulent plates, conducted in partnership with the MTA and Port Authority Police. - In 2025, operations resulted …
0:11:46
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38 sec
Council Member Salaam asks about street safety trends
Council Member Yusef Salaam introduces his line of questioning on street safety, noting the increasing dangers faced by pedestrians and bicyclists in recent years. He asks the NYPD to speak …
0:12:26
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59 sec
NYPD's traffic enforcement strategies and Vision Zero initiative
Chief Olufunmilola 'Lola' Obe explains the NYPD's approach to traffic enforcement and the Vision Zero initiative, focusing on data-driven strategies and targeted corridors. - Describes the identification of high-risk corridors …
0:13:27
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173 sec
Overview of traffic fatality and injury statistics
Chief Obe presents an overview of traffic fatality and injury statistics for 2025, comparing them to previous years and highlighting areas of improvement and concern. - Reports a decrease in …
0:16:20
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49 sec
Analysis of pedestrian fatalities and contributing factors
Chief Obe provides a detailed analysis of pedestrian fatalities, including statistics, trends, and contributing factors. - Reports 32 pedestrian fatalities out of 36 total fatalities year-to-date - Identifies most common …
0:17:10
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75 sec
Enforcement efforts in specific corridors, including Ocean Parkway
Chief Obe details the NYPD's enforcement efforts in specific high-risk corridors, with a focus on Ocean Parkway following a recent fatal incident. - Emphasizes increased enforcement of speeding and failure …
0:18:25
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124 sec
Education and outreach programs for traffic safety
Chief Obe describes the NYPD's education and outreach programs aimed at improving traffic safety, with a focus on senior pedestrians in high-risk areas. - Highlights a data-driven approach to identifying …
0:20:29
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107 sec
Engineering efforts to improve road safety
Chief Obe briefly touches on the engineering component of the NYPD's traffic safety strategy, focusing on collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOT). - Mentions the preparation of traffic intel …
0:22:16
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22 sec
Council Member Salaam inquires about disregard for traffic rules
Council Member Yusef Salaam asks a follow-up question regarding the department's response to concerns about increased disregard for traffic rules by various road users. - Specifically mentions cars, e-bikes, mopeds, …
0:22:41
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42 sec
NYPD's response to traffic rule violations and quality of life issues
Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for the NYPD, addresses the department's approach to traffic rule violations and related quality of life issues. - Acknowledges the perception of lawlessness and …
0:23:26
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74 sec
Safety concerns and strategies for micro-mobility devices
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the NYPD's strategy for addressing safety concerns related to micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and scooters. NYPD representatives explain their two-pronged approach of education and …
0:24:44
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119 sec
NYPD's traffic enforcement trends and strategies
Council Member Yusef Salaam questions the apparent decrease in traffic enforcement since the COVID-19 pandemic. NYPD representatives, including Chief Obe and Josh Levin, provide data and explanations to counter this …
0:26:53
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3 min
Concerns over decrease in DWI arrests and spike in fatalities
Council Member Yusef Salaam raises concerns about the significant decrease in DWI arrests since the pandemic and a recent spike in DWI fatalities. He questions whether there's a connection between …
0:30:47
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92 sec
NYPD's strategy for reducing driving under the influence
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the NYPD's strategy for decreasing the occurrence of driving under the influence. NYPD representatives discuss various factors and approaches to address this issue. - …
0:32:32
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99 sec
NYPD's use of traffic stat meetings for collision pattern analysis
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the NYPD's use of traffic stat meetings to respond to collision patterns and revise enforcement strategies. Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola "Lola" Obe explains the …
0:34:14
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135 sec
NYPD's approach to targeted traffic enforcement in high-risk areas
Council Member Yusef Salaam asks about how the NYPD identifies areas for targeted traffic enforcement and what data is used to inform resource allocation. Chief Obe explains the NYPD's approach …
0:36:36
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74 sec
Duration and impact of increased traffic enforcement
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the lasting effects of increased traffic enforcement. Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola "Lola" Obe responds to the question about the duration of enforcement benefits. - …
0:38:00
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28 sec
The role of technology and human officers in traffic enforcement
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the NYPD's plans to expand the use of technology in traffic enforcement, including cameras and automated systems. Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for …
0:38:32
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148 sec
Council Member Salaam presents data on racial disparities in traffic stops
Council Member Yusef Salaam introduces data showing significant racial disparities in traffic stops and subsequent police actions in New York City. He highlights that while white drivers account for 21% …
0:41:03
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75 sec
NYPD's explanation for racial disparities in traffic enforcement
Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for the NYPD, provides two main explanations for racial disparities in traffic enforcement: an aggregate perspective and an individual perspective. He argues that deployment …
0:42:19
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128 sec
Common offenses leading to arrests following traffic stops
Josh Levin presents data on the most common offenses that lead to arrests following traffic stops in New York City. He focuses on the fourth quarter of 2024, analyzing 8,215 …
0:44:39
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145 sec
NYPD units involved in traffic enforcement
Council Member Salaam inquires about NYPD command units or special teams engaged in traffic enforcement beyond the highway division and regular patrol officers. Josh Levin provides a brief overview of …
0:47:11
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31 sec
Percentage of vehicle stops resulting in illegal firearm retrieval
Josh Levin provides data on the percentage of vehicle stops that result in the retrieval of illegal firearms, based on the fourth quarter of 2024. He also addresses follow-up questions …
0:48:02
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97 sec
Guidance on desk appearance tickets vs detention for traffic stop arrests
Council Member Salaam inquires about the policies governing when an individual arrested following a traffic stop should receive a desk appearance ticket (DAT) versus being detained and arraigned in criminal …
0:49:46
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58 sec
Council Member Cabán acknowledges Families for Safe Streets and introduces data discussion
Council Member Tiffany Cabán begins by acknowledging the presence of Families for Safe Streets members, recognizing their pain and loss, and thanking them for their advocacy efforts. She then introduces …
0:50:47
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31 sec
Discussion on racial disparities in NYPD traffic stops
Council Member Cabán questions NYPD representative Josh Levin about the disproportionate rate at which Black and Latino drivers are stopped compared to white drivers. Levin challenges the data source and …
0:51:18
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99 sec
Questioning the significant increase in NYPD vehicle searches
Council Member Cabán questions NYPD representative Josh Levin about an 83% increase in vehicle searches from 2023 to 2024. Levin struggles to provide a specific explanation for the substantial increase. …
0:52:57
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90 sec
Confronting racial bias in NYPD vehicle searches
Council Member Cabán challenges NYPD representative Josh Levin on the apparent racial bias in vehicle searches, pointing out the disproportionate rates at which Black and Latino drivers are searched compared …
0:54:28
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73 sec
Debate over consent searches and racial disparities in policing
The discussion becomes heated as Council Member Cabán challenges NYPD representative Josh Levin on the nature of consent searches and their disproportionate impact on Black and Latino drivers. Cabán draws …
0:55:40
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110 sec
Council Member Holden congratulates Inspector O'Sullivan
Council Member Robert F. Holden begins by thanking the chair and congratulating Inspector O'Sullivan on his work in Queens and surrounding areas. He expresses hope for O'Sullivan's promotion to chief. …
0:57:32
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22 sec
Discussion on e-bikes and traffic violations in New York City
Council Member Holden raises concerns about the high number of e-bikes and e-mobility vehicles running red lights and endangering pedestrians in crosswalks. Chief Obe responds by outlining the NYPD's priorities …
0:57:56
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106 sec
Enforcement challenges for e-bikes without rider identification
Council Member Holden inquires about enforcement methods when e-bike riders lack identification. Inspector O'Sullivan explains the NYPD's approach, including education campaigns and the use of criminal court summonses for severe …
0:59:42
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86 sec
Proposal for e-bike registration and identification
Council Member Holden suggests registering e-bikes to improve accountability and enforcement. He proposes adding license plates to e-bikes to enable camera enforcement and easier identification during stops. Chief Obe acknowledges …
1:01:08
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50 sec
Request for information on e-bike enforcement corridors
Council Member Holden requests information about the specific corridors where the NYPD is focusing its e-bike enforcement efforts. He asks if this information can be provided after the hearing. - …
1:01:59
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17 sec
Enforcement of illegal 53-foot trucks in New York City
Council Member Holden raises concerns about illegal 53-foot trucks operating in New York City and asks about enforcement efforts. Inspector O'Sullivan explains the NYPD's approach to addressing this issue, including …
1:02:16
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116 sec
Discussion on Ocean Parkway corridor enforcement
Council Member Rita C. Joseph inquires about the specific corridors mentioned earlier for traffic enforcement, focusing on Ocean Parkway. She discusses the extent of the enforcement area and concerns about …
1:04:18
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138 sec
Inquiry into bicycle fatalities and traffic safety statistics
Council Member Rita C. Joseph questions NYPD representatives about bicycle fatalities and enforcement strategies. Chief Obe provides current statistics and explains their approach to traffic safety. - Overall fatalities are …
1:06:37
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83 sec
Concerns about e-bike safety and protection for senior pedestrians
Council Member Rita C. Joseph expresses concerns about e-bikes on sidewalks and the safety of senior pedestrians. She inquires about NYPD's outreach and education efforts, particularly for older adults. - …
1:08:00
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114 sec
Discussion on repeat offenders and vehicle seizures
Council Member Rita C. Joseph inquires about the handling of repeat traffic offenders and vehicle seizures. NYPD representatives provide information on their enforcement actions. - Joseph asks about consequences for …
1:09:53
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35 sec
Inquiry about identifying hotspots for targeted enforcement
Council Member Yusef Salaam asks about the identification of hotspots for targeted enforcement, particularly regarding bikes on sidewalks and other dangerous behaviors. NYPD representatives explain their approach to identifying and …
1:10:28
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57 sec
Council Member Restler acknowledges NYPD Transportation Division's responsiveness
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses gratitude for the hearing and congratulates Chief Obay on her appointment. He specifically thanks Chief O'Sullivan for being responsive to community concerns and praises the …
1:11:28
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52 sec
Concerns raised about illegal parking in Downtown Brooklyn
Council Member Restler expresses serious concerns about rampant illegal parking in Downtown Brooklyn, particularly around police precincts. He questions the NYPD's commitment to addressing this issue and asks Chief Obe …
1:12:22
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107 sec
Discussion on traffic enforcement agents' work and summonses
Chief Obe defends the work of traffic enforcement agents, emphasizing their hard work and commitment. Council Member Restler acknowledges their efforts but expresses concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement. - …
1:14:09
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19 sec
Criticism of placard abuse and debate over enforcement effectiveness
Council Member Restler criticizes the lack of enforcement against placard abuse and illegal parking, particularly by NYPD members. Chief Obe defends the department's efforts, citing statistics on placard abuse enforcement. …
1:14:29
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62 sec
Council Member Restler criticizes NYPD's response to racial disparities in traffic stops
Council Member Restler expresses deep concern about the NYCLU report on racial disparities in traffic stops and criticizes the NYPD's response. He presents data showing disproportionate stops and arrests of …
1:15:31
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169 sec
Debate over racial disparities in traffic enforcement and NYPD's response
Josh Levin from the NYPD and Council Member Restler engage in a heated debate about the racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests. Levin defends the NYPD's practices, while Restler …
1:18:22
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3 min
Council Member Restler's final appeal for NYPD to address racial disparities
Council Member Restler makes a passionate final appeal for the NYPD to recognize and address the racial disparities in traffic enforcement. He expresses disappointment in the department's response and calls …
1:21:45
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87 sec
Chair Salaam's closing remarks on NYPD's reputation and community relations
Chair Yusef Salaam concludes the hearing with remarks emphasizing the importance of the NYPD living up to its reputation as the best police department in the world. He stresses the …
1:23:12
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38 sec
Council Member Cabán criticizes NYPD's responses to racial disparity concerns
Council Member Tiffany Cabán opens by expressing dissatisfaction with the NYPD's previous responses regarding racial disparities in traffic enforcement. She characterizes their explanations as 'lackluster' and prepares to challenge their …
1:23:50
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10 sec
Council Member Cabán presents data on racial disparities in traffic stops and enforcement
Council Member Cabán presents statistics highlighting significant racial disparities in traffic stops, searches, arrests, and use of force. She argues that these disparities cannot be explained by NYPD's previous justifications …
1:24:01
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3 min
Council Member Cabán questions NYPD on racial disparities in searches during traffic stops
Council Member Cabán engages in a heated exchange with NYPD's Josh Levin, pressing for explanations on the significant racial disparities in searches during traffic stops. Cabán challenges NYPD's previous justifications …
1:27:09
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108 sec
Debate over police discretion and its impact on racial disparities in traffic stops
The exchange between Council Member Cabán and NYPD's Josh Levin intensifies as they debate the role of police discretion in racial disparities during traffic stops. Cabán argues that discretion is …
1:28:58
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109 sec
Council Member Cabán presses NYPD to acknowledge racial disparities as a problem
In the final exchange, Council Member Cabán pressures NYPD's Josh Levin to acknowledge racial disparities in traffic stops as a problem. Levin maintains he cannot comment without knowing all individual …
1:30:47
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75 sec
Council Member Salaam inquires about decreasing parking enforcement rates
Council Member Yusef Salaam raises concerns about the decreasing rates of parking summonses and vehicle towing by the NYPD. He cites data showing significant drops in enforcement actions between fiscal …
1:32:20
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62 sec
NYPD Chief of Transportation responds to concerns about decreasing enforcement rates
Chief Olufunmilola 'Lola' Obe responds to Council Member Salaam's concerns about decreasing parking enforcement rates, providing context and data on the department's efforts. - Obe explains that despite fewer agents, …
1:33:24
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75 sec
NYPD discusses loss of Manhattan tow pound and efforts to find new location
Council Member Salaam inquires about the loss of tow pound capacity in Manhattan, and Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for NYPD, provides a detailed response on the department's efforts …
1:34:47
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150 sec
NYPD explains criteria for towing versus issuing summons
Council Member Salaam inquires about how the NYPD determines whether to tow a vehicle, issue a summons, or immobilize it. Chief Obe provides a brief response. - Chief Obe explains …
1:37:22
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20 sec
NYPD addresses impact of limited tow pound space on enforcement
Council Member Salaam questions how often limited tow pound space prevents officers from towing illegally parked or improperly licensed vehicles. Josh Levin from NYPD provides a response addressing the complexities …
1:37:44
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50 sec
Council Member Holden questions NYPD on vehicle towing, registration, and license plate issues
Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a Q&A session with NYPD representatives, focusing on issues related to improperly registered vehicles, towing procedures, and concerns about obscured license plates. The …
1:38:35
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3 min
Council Member Cabán questions NYPD on traffic enforcement data and practices
Council Member Tiffany Cabán engages in a detailed Q&A session with NYPD representatives, focusing on traffic enforcement data and practices. She requests specific breakdowns of traffic-related summonses, arrests, and desk …
1:42:05
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4 min
NYPD's updated vehicle chase policies
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about recent changes to NYPD's vehicle chase policies in response to public criticism. Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for NYPD, explains the key policy …
1:46:19
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86 sec
Risk assessment and follow-up in NYPD vehicle pursuits
Council Member Salaam inquires about follow-up investigations and risk assessment in NYPD vehicle pursuits. Josh Levin explains the department's approach: - Clear parameters are set for initiating, continuing, and terminating …
1:47:48
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64 sec
Ghost car enforcement and identification
Council Member Salaam inquires about NYPD's methods for identifying fraudulent temporary plates and enforcing laws against ghost cars. Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola 'Lola' Obe responds: - Officers are well-trained to …
1:48:55
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72 sec
Challenges in enforcing proper vehicle registration
Council Member Salaam asks about obstacles the NYPD faces in enforcing laws requiring proper vehicle registration. Josh Levin, Director of Legislative Affairs for NYPD, outlines several challenges: - Difficulty in …
1:50:12
•
102 sec
Testimony by Amber Adler, Member of Families for Safe Streets
Amber Adler, a car crash survivor and member of Families for Safe Streets, testifies about the need for speed limiter devices in vehicles to prevent traffic fatalities. She shares personal …
1:55:25
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3 min
Council members discuss support for state legislation on speed limiters
Council members Tiffany Cabán and Yusef Salaam engage with Amber Adler from Families for Safe Streets about the council's support for state legislation on speed limiters. They express gratitude for …
1:59:20
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15 sec
Discussion on traffic safety issues in the Ocean Parkway area
Amber Adler shares specific concerns about traffic safety in the Ocean Parkway area, including recent accidents and repeated violations by drivers. Council members acknowledge the urgency of addressing these issues. …
1:59:35
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63 sec
Testimony by Dahlia Goldenberg, Associate Director of Families for Safe Streets, on Resolution 854 and Speed Limiters for Super Speeders
Dahlia Goldenberg, representing Families for Safe Streets, testified in support of Resolution 854 calling for New York State to pass legislation requiring speed limiters for repeat traffic offenders. She emphasized …
2:00:42
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156 sec
Testimony by Darnell Sealy-McCrorey, Member of Families for Safe Streets
Darnell Sealy-McCrorey, a member of Families for Safe Streets, testifies in support of a resolution to stop super speeders. He shares the tragic story of losing his 13-year-old daughter, Nayel, …
2:03:32
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3 min
Council member discusses specific intersection and potential improvements with testifier
Council Member Yusef Salaam engages with Darnell Sealy-McCrorey, a member of Families for Safe Streets, about the intersection where his daughter was killed. They discuss the lack of safety measures …
2:06:38
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3 min
Discussion on street design, speed limiters, and comprehensive safety approaches
Council Member Yusef Salaam leads a discussion on broader street design issues and comprehensive safety approaches with multiple participants, including representatives from Families for Safe Streets. - Participants discuss the …
2:10:05
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6 min
Testimony by Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC on NYPD Parking and Traffic Enforcement
Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC, strongly supports Resolution 854 and the corresponding state legislation to require intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices in vehicles of repeat traffic offenders. He argues …
2:16:11
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150 sec
Testimony by Andre D. Carroll, State Representative from Pennsylvania House of Representatives, on Driving Equality and Traffic Stop Experiences
Andre D. Carroll, a Pennsylvania State Representative, shared his perspective on the "Driving Equality" law passed in Philadelphia and his personal experiences with traffic stops. He emphasized the importance of …
2:19:12
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121 sec
Discussion on Philadelphia's Driving Equality law and its impact on traffic stops
Council Member Tiffany Cabán engages in a Q&A session with Pennsylvania State Representative Andre D. Carroll about Philadelphia's Driving Equality law. They discuss the law's implementation, its effects on reducing …
2:21:20
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4 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Resolution 854
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of Resolution 854, emphasizing the importance of street safety for construction workers and delivery workers. He criticizes a council member for their absence and …
2:26:08
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136 sec
Testimony by Wy Jennings, Member of the Public
Wy Jennings provides a disjointed and emotional testimony about being stalked and harassed for 19 years, expressing concerns for their safety and health. They mention reaching out to officials and …
2:28:46
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133 sec
Testimony by Member of the Public on Personal Grievances and Request for Assistance
A member of the public testifies about personal grievances against law enforcement, alleging harassment, interference with employment and housing, and refusal to investigate or file police reports. The speaker requests …
2:31:07
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71 sec
Council Member Salaam advises on legal resources
Council Member Yusef Salaam engages with a member of the public who has been seeking assistance with law enforcement issues. Salaam recommends reaching out to the Neighborhood Defender Service for …
2:32:20
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68 sec