New York City Mayor Eric Adams has received praise from the New York City Police Benevolent Association (NYC PBA) after vetoing a controversial city council bill that would have required officers to document every “investigative encounter” with the public. The proposed legislation, known as the “How Many Stops Act,” has been criticized for potentially slowing down NYPD response times, undermining community-oriented policing, and adding millions of dollars in overtime to the police budget.
Adams expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on police officers’ ability to patrol the streets and keep the public safe. He emphasized that the proposed legislation would require officers to spend more time filling out reports after Level 1 interactions with the public, hindering their ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
The mayor’s decision to veto the bill was supported by the NYC PBA, which commended Adams for prioritizing public safety. PBA President Patrick Hendry stated that the bill was “not about better policing, it’s about less policing” and that the community wants more police presence and faster response times.
Adams also revealed that some members of the city council shared his concerns about the bill but felt pressured to support it. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety over political considerations.
The controversial bill would have required the NYPD to log and report basic information on investigative encounters, including details on the race, age, and gender of the individuals involved, as well as factors leading to the interaction and its outcomes. The PBA highlighted the potential increase in paperwork and its impact on 911 response times in a video shared on social media.
Adams’ veto was met with criticism from some councilmembers, including NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, who accused Adams and the NYPD of fearmongering and misleading the public. Williams and other supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to address longstanding inequities faced by Black New Yorkers.
In addition to vetoing the “How Many Stops Act,” Adams also vetoed another city council bill aimed at banning solitary confinement.
Adams defended his decision, stating that while efforts to make law enforcement more transparent and accountable are important, the bill would burden officers with unnecessary paperwork and hinder their ability to patrol the streets and engage with the community. He cited recent criminal cases, such as the arrest of a serial stabbing suspect, to illustrate how the bill could impede swift arrests.
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban expressed support for Adams’ veto, emphasizing that the proposed measure would slow down the city’s progress and hinder the department’s efforts to fight crime and build trust with communities.
Overall, Adams’ veto of the controversial bill has sparked a debate about the balance between transparency, accountability, and effective policing in New York City. The issue is expected to continue to be a point of contention among city officials and community advocates.
