6/7/2012
By Ivan Pereira
One of City Hall’s most outspoken critics against the NYPD’s “stop and frisk” policy traveled to Washington, D.C., Thursday to urge a Justice Department investigation into whether the practice violates civil rights.
Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane Williams said he had a “receptive” meeting with Justice officials.
“I hope Congress will join us and champion the tens of thousands of victims in this city,” Williams said in a statement.
Last year, the NYPD stopped more than 685,000 people, the majority of whom were black or Latino, according to the NYCLU.
Only 10% of those stopped last year were arrested.
Mayor Michael Bloom-berg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly have both maintained the practice has helped to reduce crime in the city.
Other New York elected officials, including members of state’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, joined Williams on the trip and sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to investigate the NYPD practice.
