New York, NY – Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer, Council Member Jumaane Williams and Council Member Brad Lander released the following statements today in reaction to the news that the de Blasio administration would drop the stop and frisk appeal:

Speaker Mark-Viverito said: “Today’s news is long overdue for New York’s communities of color who for too long were being disproportionally stopped and frisked. I applaud the de Blasio administration for taking the bold step to drop this appeal so we can finally begin to bring NYPD and communities who were targeted excessively by stop and frisk together. NYPD is the best police force in the world, and the Council looks forward to working with them to help keep New Yorkers safe while also protecting civil rights.

Majority Leader Van Bramer said: “I applaud this settlement which shows that we have truly begun a new chapter with the Administration of Mayor de Blasio. This historic moment brings us one step closer toward rebuilding the public’s trust in the NYPD and developing a relationship that is committed to working diligently toward protecting New York City’s citizens.”

Council Member Lander said: “New Yorkers want a police department that does target us simply because of our race, religion, or other aspects of our identity. It is morally wrong and makes us less safe. Mayor de Blasio is taking a big step forward in ending discriminatory use of stop-and-frisk and repairing the bonds between the NYPD and New York’s neighborhoods.”

Council Member Williams said: “I have consistently stated that the previous administration needed to drop the city’s appeal and clear up the white noise that exists with regard to the status of Stop, Question and Frisk. I am grateful that Mayor has fulfilled a campaign promise, is doing the right thing by dropping the appeal.”
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