Bronx, NY - Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, WF-Bronx) partnered with 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care to host a community conversation on Stop and Frisk last Thursday, May 17th at 6:00PM. Dozens of Bronx residents engaged in a dialogue about their experiences with law enforcement and about how to proceed if stopped by the police. Some audience members, including Senator Rivera, participated in skits that portrayed both good and bad behavior when individuals are stopped by law enforcement officials.
" I believe the policy of Stop and Frisk as it is has been implemented in New York City, is unconstitutional and discriminatory," said Senator Gustavo Rivera. "I thought the exchange between the community and members of law enforcement was an important first step to addressing community concerns as it relates to this issue. In order for Bronxites and people of color throughout New York City to continue to feel safe in their neighborhood, they need to be able to trust their local police. That is why I decided to hold a workshop with former law enforcement officers to get folks talking about Stop and Frisk: what it is, and ways to avoid escalating conflicts if they are stopped and frisked by the police."
"The problem with 'illegal' Stop, Question and Frisk and the impact it is having on members of the Black and Latino community has become the primary civil rights issues of today," said retired officer and founding member of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, Noel Leader. "As Black and Latino law enforcement officials, we deem it to be very important to educate our communities on how to navigate these mostly unnecessary interactions."
Senator Rivera continues to believe that the policy of Stop and Frisk should be changed and will continue to advocate for changes at the city level. This was the third in a series of Public Safety Workshops, which have been held every Thursday in May.
All are welcome to attend the next and final workshop on Domestic Violence:
- May 24th from 6:00PM to 7:30PM - Domestic Violence Presented by STEPS to End Family Violence
