Statement from Chair of NYC Council Committee on Public Safety Council Member Donovan Richards on Repealing 50-a

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, New York : “For decades, 50-a has protected police officers, preventing basic transparency and accountability around the racially skewed and jarring police practices in Black and Brown communities. Repealing it is a vital step toward justice for Eric Garner, George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, their families, and for the countless Black Americans who have lost their lives at the hands or knees of officers who swore to serve and protect them. Communities are mourning right now. We are enraged right now. Given the clear lack of police discipline for police misconduct, particularly during peaceful protests ignited by unnecessary police killings, we needed 50-a repealed,” said Council Member Donovan Richards, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety. “This legislation enforces that transparency and accountability we’ve been demanding. Historically, the ‘bad apples’ have been protected by the department, denying families justice. But today is a new day. 50-a will no longer be used as a shield to withhold consequences for officers who have undermined their duty to serve and protect. Congratulations to State Senator Jamaal Bailey and his colleagues in the Senate and Assembly for their commitment to justice and ending discriminatory and abusive policing in New York. I urge Governor Cuomo to sign this bill immediately.” Press Release.