Mayor, Law Enforcement Urges City Council to Vote Down Upcoming Bills

Mayor Bloomberg and New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joined veteran law enforcement officials today in urging City Council members to vote down two bills that are expected to be voted on this week.

The first bill would establish an Inspector General position within the NYPD. That official would be responsible for overseeing and investigating police practices. 

Mayor Bloomberg says if enacted, the legislation would interfere with police officers' ability to protect New Yorkers.

"There's just no question that our police officers are going to get tied up doing responses to mostly baseless allegations, and they won't be on the streets," the mayor said Monday. "And there's just no question that our police officers are going to have to worry about who's got their backs and who they report to."

The second bill would allow for city residents to submit anonymous complaints and thus easily file lawsuits against the NYPD over claims of racial profiling.

Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmens' Benevolent Association — the largest union that represents New York City police officers, believes that if the proposed legislation passed, the city's crime rate would rise because police officers would frequently second-guess their instincts in the hopes of avoiding a lawsuit.

"The most dangerous thing a police officer can face on the street is doubt in his or her decision," Lynch said. "Response time and instinct is what keeps us alive."

The City Council is expected to vote on the bills later this week.