The New York City Council has voted to override Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the How Many Stops Act, a controversial bill that mandates the logging of every interaction between the NYPD and the public during street patrols. The veto override was carried out by a margin of 42 to 9, reflecting a significant majority in favor of the bill.
The How Many Stops Act requires police officers to document various details about encounters with the public, including the race, sex, age of individuals involved, as well as the factors leading to the interaction and its outcome. Advocates argue that this transparency will hold law enforcement accountable for any unlawful stops.
However, critics of the bill, including Mayor Adams, contend that the legislation has the potential to undermine public safety. They argue that the extensive documentation requirements will discourage proactive policing and consume valuable time that could otherwise be spent patrolling and protecting the community.
The debate surrounding this bill has been intensified by the tragic case of Angela Yambo, a young girl who was shot and killed while walking home from school in the Bronx almost two years ago. Yambo's mother wrote to the council expressing her concerns about how the How Many Stops Act could have prevented the NYPD from apprehending her daughter's killer.
In an emotional interview, Yambo's mother expressed her disappointment with the veto override, stating that she felt unheard and that the pain experienced by mothers who have lost children is not recognized. She worried about the impact of the bill on police officers' ability to proactively ensure public safety and protect children, highlighting the extensive time they would now be required to spend filing reports instead of being on the streets.
Critics also argue that the bill's requirement for officers to identify various demographic attributes, such as gender and religion, can be problematic and potentially create conflicts. They note that people's self-identification may not always align with traditional categories, leading to unnecessary complications.
Despite these concerns, proponents of the How Many Stops Act believe that the documentation measures are necessary for accountability and transparency within the NYPD. The council's decision to override the mayor's veto is seen as a significant step towards achieving their goal of reforming law enforcement practices and addressing concerns of racial profiling and unlawful stops.
As the city moves forward, the implementation of the How Many Stops Act will undoubtedly continue to be a source of debate and scrutiny. Concerns about public safety and the potential impact on police-citizen relations will need to be carefully considered as these new policing procedures are put into effect.
