Police Stop and Frisk Practices in New York

Incident Involving Leroy Downs

• Leroy Downs incident while sitting on his own steps
  • Police drove past, reversed, came back, and approached him
  • Officers' reason: claimed he looked like he was smoking weed
  • Downs was talking on his cell phone
  • Officers cursed and pushed him against the fence and searched him
  • No guns or drugs were found
  • Downs reiterated the futility of resisting as it could lead to charges of resisting arrest

Emotional Impact on Downs

• Downs has experienced similar incidents throughout his life
• Participates to stop the practice
• Emotional response when recounting the incident

Official Stance

• Mayor and Commissioner focus on crime reduction
• They argue most crimes occur in poorer neighborhoods
• Lives saved primarily those of young men of color
• Plan to appeal against the ruling

Federal Judge's Ruling

• Judge questioned the reasoning behind police stops
• Statistics (2004 to mid-2012):
  • 4.4 million people stopped
  • 87% were Black or Latino
  • Only 12% were charged with crimes
• Reasons for stops:
  • Furtive movements
  • Being in high-crime areas
  • Suspicious bulges
• Judge found the searches unconstitutional
• Highlighted internal NYPD belief of instilling fear in racially defined groups

Personal Account: David

• Surrounded by nine officers with guns drawn during one encounter
• Officers found nothing
• The judge's ruling was a moment of emotional release for him

Broader Implications

• Highlights polarization and societal view of people of color
• Importance of the judgment for New York and symbolizing broader American issues

Judge's Orders

• Appointment of an independent monitor for phasing out the practice
• Possible use of body cameras for police officers

Ongoing Legal Battle

• Police intend to appeal the judgment
• Question remains if police behavior will change

Public Reaction

• Widespread public and media attention
• Scrutiny on whether the ruling will result in real changes in police practices