City Council Passes Bill Requiring Cops To Report Use Of Force

Carly Miller -
(Photo by Ditmas Park Corner)

The City Council passed a package of legislation Thursday, requiring police to report use of force as well as officers’ civil infractions in order to increase transparency of the NYPD.

The bills — Intro. 606,  Intro. 539, and Intro. 0824 — require the NYPD to issue quarterly encounter reports detailing the number of force incidents, the precinct where they occurred, and the reason for the officer’s initial approach. In addition, the NYPD will be required to issue an annual report on the excessive use of force and firearms, and an officer’s history of reported civil complaints, suspensions and arrests — to identify those with a history of turbulent interactions with civilians.

“This legislation is a critical part of the City Council’s ongoing efforts to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

The council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Use of Force reporting legislation, 40–4, which was sponsored by Council Members Jumaane D. Williams of District 45, Carlos Menchaca of District 38, and Laurie Cumbo of District 35, among others. A version of this bill was initially proposed in 2014, in the wake of Eric Garner’s death after being locked in a chokehold by NYPD officers.

“I wanted more information from the police department on the use of force when it comes to offenses such as those alleged to have been committed by Mr. Garner,” said Council Member Williams. “This bill will shed light on the basis for police officers approaching, or engaging in a police interaction with a New Yorker.”

The law will take effect immediately, and the first quarterly report is expected to be posted publicly on the NYPD’s website before August 1, 2017.

“It is my hope that as we move toward improved police-community relations, the data gleaned from these new reports will help us understand overall use of force guidelines, including their relation to quality of life offenses, and open up opportunities to deescalate altercations where at all possible,” said Council Member Williams.