In response to an executive order by Gov. Andrew Cuomo appointing the attorney general as a special prosecutor in certain police-related civilian deaths, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement. It is attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“The designation of a special prosecutor to handle cases involving police killings of civilians is an important first step toward helping restore public faith and trust in our justice system. A special prosecutor along with other long-term criminal justice reforms should help promote police accountability and better ensure protection of civil rights and liberties.”