Policing Black and Brown Communities in NYC: Reckoning with the Past and Envisioning a Better Future

New York City is in the midst of reckoning with its history of over-policing and abuse in Black and Brown communities. As this conversation continues, City policy makers, community advocates, and law enforcement are debating police reform measures–including whether reform is even possible. As part of its ongoing work around this issue (including a July program and report recommending further areas for reform), on November 19 the City Bar hosted an expert panel — including representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Bronx Defenders and Communities United for Police Reform, and the First Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD — to discuss the various proposed pathways and approaches to address historic policing problems. The panel discussed some of the principal tensions confronting our society today and address the challenges of advancing change in how policing and law enforcement is carried out by the NYPD. 

Opening Remarks:
Sheila S. Boston, President, New York City Bar Association

Moderator:
Graham Rayman, New York Daily News

Speakers:
Dawit Getachew, Policy Counsel, The Bronx Defenders
Joo-Hyun Kang, Director, Communities United for Police Reform
Deanna Logan, Deputy Director for Crime Strategies, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice
Benjamin B. Tucker, First Deputy Commissioner, New York City Police Department

Sponsoring Committee:
Criminal Courts, Terri Rosenblatt, Chair

Co-Sponsoring Committee:
Criminal Justice Operations, Tess M. Cohen, Chair

Related Report:
Police Reform Efforts in New York State and New York City: More to Do

Related Program:
The Policing of Black & Brown Bodies – July 22, 2020