Stop and Frisk: A Deplorable Policing Policy

Known in New York as ‘Local Law 71,’ stop and frisk procedures were implemented post September 11^th as an effort to help curve violence. The thought process behind this legislation is that stop and frisk is less intrusive, and takes less time than an arrest. However, the law allows officers free reign to stop whomever they wish. This is further exacerbating the issue of racial profiling.

            Stop and frisk is defined as: “The situation in which a police officer who is suspicious of an individual detains the person and runs his hands lightly over the suspect's outer garments to determine if the person is carrying a concealed weapon (New York Civil Liberties Union).” As outlined in this definition, police are given discretion to implement a stop and frisk procedures when it is deemed necessary. However, this has caused some major issues in regards to racial discrimination.

            The New York Civil Liberties Union has estimated that there have been reporting these issues. Their article and data can be found here: http://www.nyclu.org/issues/racial-justice/stop-and-frisk-practices.  They report that since 2002, New Yorkers have been subjected to stop and frisk procedures over 4 million times. The majority of those searched are African American or Latino, while 9 out of 10 of those searched were found innocent. This raises questions in regards to the ethics of these procedures.

            Looking at the current methods employed, it is obvious that these procedures are used in a discriminatory way. This discrimination delegitimizes the intent of the police force, which is to protect and to serve all citizens equally. Failure to recognize this discrimination only increases hostility between police and minority groups. This is even recognized by the police union of New York.

            As of 2013, a lawsuit has been filed to repeal the stop and frisk policy. In October 2013 the police union of New York announced that it will be backing the lawsuit:  http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/10/ny_police_union_joins_lawsuit_against_stop-and-frisk_law.html.   They intend to support this lawsuit, because the policy has proven to cause issues for the department, as well as those they serve. They hope that the repeal of this policy will help to protect both officers and citizens. By having this support, it is more likely that the lawsuit will be more effective.

            The removal of the stop and frisk policy is detrimental for policing in New York City. The policy has allowed for discrimination on a large scale, as well as threatens the rights of citizens. With the recent support from the police union of New York, it is more likely that this policy change will occur. Stop and frisk is a policy that delegitimizes policing, and causes wide spread discrimination against the Latino and African American populations of the city. Its removal is crucial for race relations in New York.

Image courtesy of: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57547265/