The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has released body camera footage of a “legal and professional” traffic stop on City Council member Yusef Salaam. The stop was made because Salaam was driving with dark tinted windows, which exceeded the limits set by state law. The NYPD defended the officer’s actions, stating that he followed proper procedures and conducted himself professionally throughout the interaction.
The release of the video and vehicle report comes in response to Salaam’s claim that he was stopped without explanation. This incident occurred just days after New York City Mayor Eric Adams vetoed a City Council bill that aimed to document every police stop and encounter with the public. The NYPD’s statement and evidence refute Salaam’s claims and support the officer’s actions.
According to the NYPD, the officer pulled over Salaam’s blue sedan with a Georgia license plate in the 26th precinct at around 6:20 p.m. The officer approached the vehicle, identified himself, and asked Salaam to roll down his windows. Salaam complied and identified himself as a New York City Councilmember performing official duties. The officer then advised him to have a good night. The entire account is backed up by body-worn camera footage and the vehicle report.
The NYPD emphasized that the officer followed all proper procedures, including those implemented after the tragic shooting of Detective Russel Timoshenko through tinted windows in 2007. The department commended the officer for his discretion, allowing Salaam to continue his official duties.
It is important to note that the NYPD clarified that this interaction was classified as a Level 4 encounter, not a Level 1 interaction as Salaam claimed. The officer had probable cause to make the stop based on a violation of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Additionally, all vehicle stops are already documented with a vehicle report, as per NYPD procedure.
Salaam released his own statement, expressing his disappointment with the officer’s lack of explanation for the stop. He highlighted the need for greater transparency in police stops to ensure they are constitutional and to prevent racial profiling. However, Salaam later backed out of a scheduled ride-along with police officers offered by Mayor Adams’ administration.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, vetoed proposed legislation known as the “How Many Stops Act,” which aimed to document every police encounter. He argued that the bill would increase paperwork and hinder police response times. Salaam criticized the mayor’s decision, accusing him of sending a message that Black and Latino communities do not deserve transparency regarding police stops.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced plans to hold a vote to override Mayor Adams’ veto on Tuesday. She expressed disappointment in the fear and misinformation spread during the public dialogue surrounding the legislation.
In conclusion, the NYPD has released body camera footage and a vehicle report to defend an officer’s traffic stop on City Council member Yusef Salaam. The evidence supports the officer’s actions and refutes Salaam’s claim of being stopped without explanation. The incident has sparked a debate regarding transparency in police stops and the impact on communities of color.
