In the heart of New York City, a contentious debate is unfolding within the local government over a proposed legislation known as the How Many Stops Act. This bill, if enacted, would mandate the New York Police Department (NYPD) to meticulously record details of every public interaction, with the primary aim of enhancing transparency. However, as the legislative battle intensifies, critics argue that this initiative might lead to an overwhelming administrative burden and hinder law enforcement’s efficiency.

Legislative Background and Controversial Veto

The How Many Stops Act made its way through the City Council at the close of 2023, securing a 35-9 majority with seven abstentions. Nevertheless, in January, Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the bill, setting the stage for a confrontation between the executive and legislative branches. The upcoming council override vote, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, holds the key to the fate of this proposed legislation.

What the How Many Stops Act Entails

The crux of the How Many Stops Act revolves around compelling NYPD officers to document essential information during low-level encounters where individuals are questioned but not necessarily suspected of a crime. Specifics include the apparent race, gender, and age of the person stopped, along with the reason for the interaction and the circumstances leading to the stop. This data would then be made accessible to the public through the police department’s website.

Differing Perspectives on the Bill

Advocates of the How Many Stops Act, such as the New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), assert that the legislation merely seeks to formalize the documentation of official investigative encounters. Michael Sisitzky of the ACLU contends that the bill is a crucial step toward accountability and transparency.

Conversely, Mayor Adams argues that the reporting requirements for low-level stops would place an excessive burden on officers, diverting their attention from crime-solving activities. Adams, a former NYPD captain, expressed concerns about the cumulative impact on officers’ time, leading to increased overtime and duplicative paperwork.

Disputed Efficiency and Police Work

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, the bill’s sponsor, disputes Mayor Adams’ claims about the inefficiency of the proposed reporting process. Williams contends that officers could complete the required documentation in less than a minute using their smartphones. He emphasizes that this reporting is an integral part of police work and not a hindrance.

Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns

The issue of police stops in New York has a troubled history, particularly with the controversial “stop and frisk” tactic that led to a federal judge ruling in 2013 that the NYPD violated the civil rights of Black and Latino residents. Despite a decline in such stops, an ACLU report in 2022 highlighted continued racial disparities.

Recent Incidents Fueling the Debate

The How Many Stops Act gained further attention when NYPD officers pulled over Council Member Yusef Salaam, a member of the “Central Park Five,” a group wrongfully convicted in 1989. While the stop itself wouldn’t be covered by the proposed bill, Salaam argued that the lack of transparency allows for racial profiling and unconstitutional stops.

Council’s Dual Challenge

Simultaneously, the City Council faces another critical vote on Tuesday—whether to override Mayor Adams’ veto of a bill aiming to ban solitary confinement in the city’s jails. This underscores the broader challenges and controversies surrounding law enforcement practices in New York City.

Ensuring Accountability and Balancing Efficiency

As the City Council prepares for the decisive override vote, the How Many Stops Act embodies a contentious intersection between transparency, accountability, and the practicalities of police work. The outcome of this legislative battle will likely shape the landscape of law enforcement practices in New York City, resonating far beyond its borders.