Technology will replace them: in New York, the civilian police department will be disbanded

It is believed that this will improve the quality of law and order in New York communities. Now, instead of brute force, it is planned to use “smarter methods” to fight crime. Not everyone liked this solution. This publication writes NBC New York.

What will change

The changes will affect approximately 600 plainclothes officers. They will be transferred to other positions. This was announced on June 15 by New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “Fortunately, here in New York the aggressive demonstrations were peaceful. Thoughtful discussions about the reform have emerged, Shea said during a press conference. "We welcome reform, but we also believe that meaningful reform starts from within."

The commissioner said attempts to remove weapons from the streets will continue, but through smarter methods such as technology and intelligence rather than raids. "Intelligence officers will continue to work to combat suspected gang leaders and arms dealers," Shea said.

He also said the department could become safer for the population and police, admitting in advance that difficulties would arise as gunfire throughout the city continued. “This is the police of the XXI century. Intelligence, data, ShotSpotter, video will all be used to fight crime, ”Shea said.

The police will also rely on the help of residents to identify those who create problems in the areas. “I think it's time to move forward and change the way we police work in this city. We can do it with our brains, we can do it with cunning, we can move away from brute force, ”Shea said.

Earlier, the anti-crime unit was criticized for aggressive tactics, which, according to the commissioner, led to distrust in the color communities.

Police reform response

In response to these changes, Pat Lynched, President of the Police Benevolent Association, blamed city lawmakers and officials. “The challenge of fighting crime is to protect New Yorkers by actively preventing crime, especially gun violence,” Lynch said. “The number of shootings and killings is steadily increasing, but our city authorities have decided that active police work is no longer a priority. They have chosen this strategy. They will have to reckon with the consequences. "

Former New York City Police Chief Joe Esposity agreed with this view. He called the disbandment of the crime department a mistake. “Crime fighters (cops) are crime fighters. These are the ones who remove weapons from the street, who catch robbers, ”said Esposito. "We're eliminating all the weapons that made us the safest city in the area."

Shea, who is behind this decision, also believes that the dismantling of the department is the wrong way, and that the reorganization does not include budget cuts. He noted that the results of such a decision would fall on his shoulders.

Despite the fact that the commissioner said that this step was not taken in response to the protests, the decision was made after several weeks of protests throughout the city and calls for reform of the department.

On the subject: Police in New York punished for cruelty to protesters: Trump saw this as a conspiracy

On Friday, June 12, the City announced its intention to slash the NYPD budget by $ 1 billion. “We have determined more than $ 1 billion in savings, including by reducing headcounts, reducing overtime, handing over responsibility from NYPD, finding ways to improve efficiency and save costs,” City Council Chairman Corey said in a joint statement. Corey Johnson, Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo and other committee chairs.

They noted that such a reduction is an ambitious goal, and that this is the right step to correct the failed police policies of the past.

What preceded this

Last week, New York state lawmakers repealed 50-A. This will allow for the first time in many decades to publicize complaints against the police. This was caused by a nationwide scandal over the death of African American George Floyd.

Legislators have adopted other bills that provide for the provision of television cameras to all military personnel and the provision of medical and psychiatric assistance to detainees by police officers.

Many of these bills were first proposed several years ago, but received a new impetus amid mass protests throughout the country.

While supporters and lawmakers welcomed the decision, police unions falsified its abolition, accusing politicians of hasty adoption of bills and, ultimately, of "increased crime."

The President of the Detectives' Endowment Association Paul DiGiacomo wondered why the police had not been consulted on the bills, in particular, accusing the mayor of Bill de Blasio. “Mayor de Blasio recently publicly announced that 50-A should be changed, but not completely canceled. The only thing he constantly does is turn his back on the brave men and women in blue, who he relies on to keep every New Yorker safe, ”DiGiacomo said.

The secrecy law was overturned after thousands of protesters filled the streets in Brooklyn and Manhattan, protesting against police brutality. "Now is not the time to rejoice," State Senator Kevin Parker, a Democrat from part of Brooklyn, said last week. "This bill has been in existence for over ten years ... And the only reason we are bringing it up for discussion now is because the nation is on fire."

But one of the authors of the bill, Senator Jamaal Bailey, a Democrat from the Bronx, stated that the public has the right to consider complaints: “Sometimes unfounded complaints happen because people don’t want to consider them.”

Parliament Speaker Carl Heastie said for many years they have been "ready for real change and have fought tirelessly for much-needed criminal justice reforms." “We are joining the nation in mourning for the death of another unarmed black, and we are ready to respond to the call to action,” he said.

On the subject: 400 police injured in New York during two weeks of protests

Mayor Bill de Blasio, who initially resisted calls to disband NYPD, said it wasn't the protesters who made him change his mind, but his wife, Chirlaine McCray. It was she, according to the mayor, who convinced him that it was time to change his mind. “The fundamental answer is yes, the first lady and the task force said that changes in the distribution of funds made sense,” said de Blasio.

It is worth noting that such a decision can help the first lady who is going to run for president of Brooklyn district in 2021.

Even though de Blasio said he wants to “change this city and this police department over the next 18 months,” the police department staff, including the commissioner, were not thrilled about it. The city's largest police union said the police were "under attack" in connection with the current protests. In response, the New York City Police Commissioner said he hoped for "common sense and composure" to prevail. “Lord, help us if that doesn't happen,” Shea said.