STATEMENT FROM GLENN E. MARTIN, JUSTLEADERSHIPUSA, and GABRIEL SAYEGH, KATAL CENTER FOR HEALTH, EQUITY AND JUSTICE ON NYPD COMMISSIONER WILLIAM BRATTON’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS SEPTEMBER 2016 RESIGNATION
Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 (NEW YORK) –
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton’s infamous ‘broken windows’ policing strategy has resulted in the unnecessary arrest and incarceration of tens of thousands of New Yorkers, primarily young men and women of color. The cumulative effects of the systemic detention of individuals for low-level, non-violent offenses has contributed to the 70,000 admissions on Rikers Island each year, and has served to significantly disrupt the lives of many, often times our most marginalized residents. Furthermore, this ‘broken windows’ policy has not led to any measurable improvement in public safety.
Along with the change in NYPD leadership, we call for a new direction in policing practices and a departure from the failed ‘broken windows’ policies. By reducing the number of unnecessary arrests in our city, we will concurrently reduce the number of individuals who are detained in New York city jails, particularly on Rikers Island. Loosening the grip of New York City’s failed criminal justice system upon individuals and communities is a necessary step toward achieving justice for all New Yorkers. Such reform will serve to strengthen communities, and will move us toward the ultimate goal of shuttering Rikers Island for good.
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