Transforming Policing in New York

The NYPD remains fixated on the philosophy of broken windows policing. The theory, which has never been proven, posits that aggressively policing minor misbehavior prevents serious crimes. But Eric Garner’s death illustrates the threat these tactics pose to all New Yorkers, particularly over-policed communities of color. Garner was approached by police because he was suspected of selling untaxed cigarettes.

After five years, the officer who killed Eric Garner was finally fired. That disciplinary process was run entirely by the NYPD, and it was shrouded in secrecy. We still have a long way to go to hold police accountable when they abuse New Yorkers. Real accountability begins with transparency and independent oversight of the people who are supposed to protect us.