The New York Police Department (NYPD) has reached a significant legal settlement that will substantially change how it handles public demonstrations and prohibits the controversial practice known as "kettling" or boxing in protesters before arresting them.
This settlement, filed in federal court by New York Attorney General Letitia James, addresses a lawsuit filed by her in January 2021. The lawsuit addressed widespread abuses during protests in the summer of 2020 after the killing of George Flyod in Minneapolis.
Under the terms of the settlement, the NYPD committed to several transformative changes, including discontinuing the practice of kettling, which had led to the arrests of numerous peaceful demonstrators. Secondly, the department will implement a tiered de-escalation system for handling protests before deploying additional officers. Additionally, a high-ranking executive will be appointed to ensure officers' compliance with the new rules.
More than 2,000 demonstrators were arrested during the 2020 protests, with many engaging in peaceful demonstrations. An investigation by the attorney general's office revealed instances of excessive force by police officers.
We will continue to monitor these newly implemented rules to protect our brothers and sisters in the community while protesting. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Link: New York Times
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