Richard Davis, Former Chairman of Mayor’s Commission to Combat Police Corruption said:

“To keep our City safe over the long term we need both a strong Police Commissioner and real oversight that helps sustain public support for the work of the Department. The proposed bill seeks to accomplish both these goals, and its enactment will be a positive step forward.”

Richard Aborn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission said:

“As we move into a new administration, we ask ourselves ‘if we were designing a major urban police force today would independent oversight be an element?’ To us, the clear answer is yes.

“The concept of meaningful independent oversight is commonplace throughout federal and municipal law enforcement, as well as the military. Meaningful oversight allows law enforcement agencies to provide transparency to the public, and acts as an early warning system to identify and address systemic problematic practices. Oversight is not about individuals, it is about providing good government. An I.G. embodies that role by providing three key ingredients of effective oversight: transparency, independence, and subpoena power.

“Valid questions have been raised asking if an I.G. would cause a rise in crime by diminishing the police department’s ability to be effective. We see no such correlation in other cities and see no reason for such to occur in New York.

“Proposals currently under consideration by the NYC Council would grant the I.G. authority to review police department policies and practices and make recommendations. This could include review of the department’s stop-and-frisk policy. As we have stated before, stop-and-frisk is a wholly legitimate police tactic, but it has to be done properly. An I.G. ultimately increases transparency and public confidence in police actions and strategies.

“At its core, good oversight makes good policing even better.”

Hakeem Jeffries, United States Representative of the Eight District of New York said:

“The Inspector General bill will implement an objective and non-captive oversight mechanism to monitor the New York Police Department’s efficiency and compliance with the law. It is an important step forward with respect to restoring the public’s confidence in the police, and I applaud Speaker Quinn for her leadership in advancing the legislation.”

Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., Former Corporation Counsel of the City of New York said:

“An independent Inspector General for the New York City Police Department will be good for the City. It will be helpful for law enforcement efforts, and it will be good for the public. The FBI and CIA have had good experiences with Inspectors General. An Inspector General will help the NYPD become even better.”

Reverend Jacques DeGraff, Civil Rights Leader said:

“The Inspector General bill demonstrates the commitment and dedication that City Council has shown in making sure that the NYPD operates as efficiently as possible, in a way that protects the civil rights of all New Yorkers. Installing an Inspector General would ensure that police procedures—such as stop and frisk—are carefully reviewed, and carried out in adherence with the Constitution The current practice of stop and frisk is in need of immediate reform, and this bill is a major step in the right direction.”

Victor A. Kovner, Frederick A. O. Schwarz, Jr, and Peter L. Zimroth, Former Corporation Counsels of the City of New York said:

“Although it is true that many entities currently exist for the purpose of reviewing actions by the NYPD, none serves this broad and important function. The primary focus of the NYPD internal Affairs Bureau, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the District Attorneys’ Offices and the Commission to Combat

“We would have welcomed this review when we served as Corporation Counsel and we strongly support the creation of a review function today. We have seen the results of the work of other inspectors general and law enforcement monitors, including the work of the Department of Justice Inspector

“General and the important role that office has played with regard to the Federal Bureau of investigation, and we are confident that installing a similar mechanism in New York City will strengthen our security, improve the NYPD”s relations with communities throughout the City, and improve the work of the NYPD.”

Glenn E. Martin, Vice President of Development & Public Affairs of the Fortune Society said:

“The City Council bill to establish the NYPD Inspector General will add fairness, equity, and transparency to policing practices in the city. It is a step in the right direction to reduce racial profiling and to ensure that police officers respect the civil rights of all New Yorkers.”
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