We must stop Bill #6615 now!
As you are aware, New York’s Law Enforcement community is battling anti-police legislation that has currently been proposed in Albany. There are only a few days remaining on this legislative session, and one of the most damaging bills is Bill #6615, which would severely limit our members’ ability to use “force.”
Since there is no clear-cut definition of “force” — and nor could there ever be with such a subjective concept — this bill will severely curtail an Officer’s ability to stop a crime or make an arrest under the threat of being prosecuted; and therefore it will either render law enforcement completely powerless or ensure that Officers hesitate and therefore killed or maimed in the line of duty, along with the very civilians they are trying to protect.
Criminals have nothing to fear under this bill, because it is only aimed at Police Officers or civilians defending themselves. Therefore, perpetrators can continue to be as violent as they wish. Our current crime rate in New York City is attesting to that.
Bill #6615 insanely proposes that an Officer must take the time to consider “options” other than force during an encounter with a perpetrator — particularly one who is resisting arrest — and the bill demands that an Officer consider, “Distance, cover, containment, tactical repositioning, requesting additional officers, and surveillance, verbal communication or de-escalation and the deployment of specialized equipment or resources, such as officers trained in crisis intervention, or mental health professionals. An alternative to the use of physical force may be a reasonable alternative even if it extends the overall duration of the interaction.”
Extends the overall duration of the interaction?! Apparently Albany would rather criminal acts be long drawn out rather than stopped during their commission.
The bill’s language goes on to say it is “withdrawing” the rights of Officers to use physical force during the commission of a felony, while considering physical force necessary during the commission of a felony. If you’re confused about the conflicting statements in this bill, imagine how confusing it will be to think about it during the hubbub of an emergency or when trying to make split second, life-and-death decisions.
Second guessing Police Officers is the number one priority of Albany these days. Since the legislature may foolishly vote to advance this ridiculous bill, we need to stop it immediately. A petition has been created online to drive home the need to support our police, not hamper them with this bill.
It is extremely important that you share this petition link with your colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors. As violent crime continues to rise in New York City, as shooting deaths escalate, hate crimes become commonplace, and mass shootings in America pop up anywhere and everywhere, tell Albany to get its priorities straight. This madness has got to stop!
Time is of the essence as there are only a few scheduled days left in this legislative session. Click on the link below to access and sign the petition right away. Thank you.
Paul DiGiacomo, President
& the DEA Board of Officers
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=13188
