Civil Liberties

Politics Tangle Effort To Create NYPD Inspector General

The position would supposedly exercise independent oversight over abuses, so don't hold your breath

|

The intense jockeying around the proposed law to create an NYPD inspector general continues, even after New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced on Tuesday afternoon that she had reached a "broad agreement" with its sponsors. The inspector general would have oversight of controversial police practices like stop-and-frisk.

After Quinn's announcement, a spokesman for New York City Public Advocate—and Quinn mayoral foe—Bill de Blasio said his "line in the sand" from a press conference Tuesday morning still stood.

De Blasio had warned Tuesday morning that the inspector general must not be watered down to please law enforcement critics.

"We have seen this movie before—assurances that reform is on the way, only to see the Council substitute a half-measure for true change. This time must be different," he said.