Dear Friend,
Last week Bill was proud to be a part of a historic victory for New Yorkers' civil rights.
The Public Advocate has been fighting to reform the City's stop and frisk database by ending the NYPD's longstanding practice of keeping personal information on New Yorkers who are stopped and frisked, but not arrested or even ticketed. Just last year the NYPD reported a record 580,000 stop and frisks, with only 6% resulting in arrests.
As part of this effort, Bill brought together the five Democratic candidates running for New York State Attorney General to declare their universal support for state legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Hakeem Jefferies and Senator Eric Adams, ending this policy.
Last Friday Governor Paterson signed this critical legislation , which will help to ensure that City government is protecting the public while respecting our civil rights.
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio commended New York State leaders for their efforts and commitment to this issue. "I applaud Governor Paterson for signing this critical law and Senator Adams and Assemblyman Jeffries for their leadership in achieving this victory."
As always, we will keep you updated about Bill's ongoing campaigns.
Thank you,
Matt Wing
Communications Director
Office of the Public Advocate