Calls for Implementation of Local Community Orgs to Monitor Public Compliance of Public Health Mandates of Social Distancing and Face Coverings to Stop Spread of COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kristia Winter
718-629-2900 / KWinter@council.nyc.gov

BROOKLYN, NY — Today, Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-BROOKLYN) issued the following statement after NYPD officers assaulted then arrested 22-year-old Kaleemah Kozier in front of her child after refusing to properly cover her mouth and nose with a covering at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center subway station.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“It was outrageous to watch video footage of a woman assaulted by NYPD officers with her helpless child just a few feet away watching the unethical and appalling behavior towards a loved one. This painful, life-altering experience is what so many black and brown individuals have encountered at the hands of the NYPD. 

“Another week, another video of excessive force repeatedly used by the NYPD in our community without consequence. Despite our numerous calls for equality and justice, our parents and children continue to be traumatized—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“When there is clear, convincing evidence of police brutality, there should be swift disciplinary action including termination. Yet, we have seen in countless previous incidents that there is little to no police accountability that would change this abhorrent behavior within the ranks. 

“The assault on our communities by the NYPD in the enforcement of social distancing measures continues to highlight racial disparities as a grave systemic issue across the department. 

“Prior to this incident, I asked Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea to redirect NYPD resources away from the enforcement of public health mandates and integrate local Crisis Management System (CMS) organizations who are deeply-rooted and familiar with the communities that they serve.

“I am urging the Mayor and Commissioner to implement these changes, which will help to humanize ongoing efforts to ensure public compliance with these mandates and not terrorize the public as the NYPD has done in recent weeks. Furthermore, I am fervently advocating for the expansion of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and its authority to help end this cycle of violence and racial bias in community policing. 

“Presently, the CCRB has the power to review complaints by members of the public against uniformed members of the NYPD and recommend disciplinary action, however the final determination is still left up to the discretion of the Police Commissioner. Because of this structure, the CCRB has yet to truly win the confidence of city residents and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues in government to ensure this happens,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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