New York City Mayor Eric Adams has sparked a citywide debate over police practices and accountability.
He vetoed a significant piece of legislation, Intro. 586-A, also known as the How Many Stops Act.
This bill, designed to enhance transparency in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), proposed that officers document all investigative encounters with the public, including details such as race, age, and gender of the individuals involved.
The law has been controversial since it was introduced into legislation.
Supporters of the bill turned out at a rally on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, January 23.
At a press conference on Friday, January 5, 2024, Adams articulated his concerns, arguing that the legislation would not only lengthen NYPD response times but also compromise the effectiveness of community-oriented policing. He also highlighted the financial strain it would impose on the city’s budget, with the potential for millions in additional overtime costs.
Reflecting on his experiences with the NYPD and his personal encounters with police brutality, Adams spoke about his dedication to transparency and reform. However, he said that the bill, while well-intentioned, would undermine public safety.
Adams pointed to the arrest of Jermain Rigueur, accused of a series of stabbings, as an example of how the bill’s requirements could hinder swift law enforcement actions essential for maintaining public safety.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and passed by the City Council in December 2023, aims to address systemic inequalities in policing by mandating detailed logs of police interactions. Supporters argue that such documentation would offer a clearer view of the NYPD’s engagement patterns, potentially illuminating instances of racial profiling.
NYPD Commissioner, Edward A. Caban supported Mayor Adams’ stance, praising the department’s existing transparency efforts and warning against the administrative burdens the bill would introduce. Caban cited the NYPD’s success in reducing crime and fostering community trust, suggesting that the legislation’s requirements could detract from these critical efforts.
The mayor’s veto incited a strong reaction from City Council members and police reform advocates. Public Advocate Williams criticized the administration’s justification, accusing it of fear-mongering and drawing a contentious comparison to national political figures known for divisive rhetoric.
The bill’s proponents emphasized the importance of documenting police encounters as a step toward rectifying long-standing disparities in law enforcement practices across different communities.
Historical data on the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy reveals a pattern of racial disproportionality, with a significant majority of stops targeting Black and Latino people, often without resulting in arrests or summonses.
In a notable development, the City Council voted to override Mayor Adams’ veto, 42-9, making the bill law. It will go into effect in July, city leaders said, with the first report due in September. This move reflects a broader effort to reform policing in New York City, as council members, activists, and community leaders rally around the legislation.
