The NYPD's stop-and-frisk practices are once again under scrutiny following a new report from the court-appointed monitor overseeing the department. The findings point to an increase in unconstitutional stops, frisks, and searches, sparking concerns about fair policing in New York City.
The
58-page report, released this month, shows that unlawful frisks rose by more than 50% from 2021 to 2022, while unlawful searches saw a nearly 50% increase during the same period. In the first half of 2023, 12% of reported stops were found to be unconstitutional, with 33% of searches also deemed unlawful. The report highlights that specialized units, such as the Neighborhood Safety Teams, were responsible for many of these improper stops.
Additionally, the report found that many police officers are not documenting stops as required. In 2022, over 30% of stops were not reported, raising further concerns about transparency and accountability within the NYPD.
In response, an NYPD spokesperson said, "Public safety and constitutional policing are both critical components of the NYPD’s mission. The Department is proud that New York remains the safest big city in America and of the reforms that it has made. The NYPD is committed to working collaboratively with the monitor to address the areas of concern raised in this latest report."