The Right To Know Act Has Passed!
December 20th 2017 – Yesterday, the City Council, passed the Right to Know Act (RTKA). RTKA was a legislation put together by 200+ community organizations, who are part of the coalition Communities United for Police Reform (CPR), many of whom are impacted by police abuses, to protect the civil and human rights of New Yorkers in everyday encounters with the police. Two bills make up the RTKA, Intro 541-C, and Intro 182-D.
Yesterday, the City Council passed Intro 541-C, a consent bill support by over 200 community organizations. This bill requires officers to notify New Yorkers they have the right to refuse a search if the officer does not have probable cause to search them.
The Council also passed Intro 182-D, an identification bill that was opposed by the 200+ community organizations. The bill will in some situations require police officers to provide a business card identifying the officer and an explanation for the stop. However, the bill excludes traffic stops and non-arrest street encounters, which are the majority of encounters New Yorkers have with the police. This affects many of members who are going to work, school or home.
Intro 541-C was able to pass because of the work done by community members who fought for police accountability. While Intro 1812-D was compromised and became and NYPD-backed bill, it pass with only 27 votes, just 1 more than the votes needed. This shows what people power can accomplish!