Richard Davis, Former Chairman of Mayor\u2019s Commission to Combat Police Corruption said:<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richard Aborn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission said: <\/p>\n
\u201cAs we move into a new administration, we ask ourselves \u2018if we were designing a major urban police force today would independent oversight be an element?\u2019 To us, the clear answer is yes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cValid 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cProposals 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt its core, good oversight makes good policing even better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hakeem Jeffries, United States Representative of the Eight District of New York said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., Former Corporation Counsel of the City of New York said:<\/p>\n
\u201cAn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reverend Jacques DeGraff, Civil Rights Leader said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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\u2014such as stop and frisk\u2014are 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Victor A. Kovner, Frederick A. O. Schwarz, Jr, and Peter L. Zimroth, Former Corporation Counsels of the City of New York said:<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough 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\u2019 Offices and the Commission to Combat<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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<\/p>\n
\u201cGeneral 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Glenn E. Martin, Vice President of Development & Public Affairs of the Fortune Society said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d
\n###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Richard Davis, Former Chairman of Mayor\u2019s Commission to Combat Police Corruption said:<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richard Aborn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission said: <\/p>\n
\u201cAs we move into a new administration, we ask ourselves \u2018if we were designing a major urban police force today would independent oversight be an element?\u2019 To us, the clear answer is yes.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n