Councilman Vacca Warns Against Proposed Legislation On NYPD Policies, Procedures
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A city councilman is cautioning fellow members against proposed legislation that he says will hamstring the NYPD.
As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, Councilman Jimmy Vacca (D-Bronx) is wagging a finger at fellow council members over a pending package of measures related to NYPD oversight.
"I've cautioned the council that we cannot be micromanaging the New York City Police Department," the lawmaker said. "Some of the legislation in the council is extreme, and it would basically affect the day to day operation of the police department."
One bill, with the majority of members as co-sponsors, would criminalize chokeholds.
The use of chokeholds by the NYPD made headlines nationally and fueled protests in New York City after Staten Island resident Eric Garner died shortly after being placed in an apparent chokehold by an officer.
Another, with 25 supporters at last count, would require cops to identify themselves to the people they stop and inform them of their right to refuse a search if there's no probable cause.
Suspects cannot refuse a search if police observe suspicious behavior or a crime, or have a warrant.
After news of the bills surfaced in November, New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said the legislation is another step toward making the NYPD passive and ineffective.
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