Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Englebright is a member of the Assembly. Working with the State Senate, the Assembly can propose and pass laws that regulate local police departments throughout the state. It could create state oversight of police officers, which currently does not exist, or make internal police investigations public in New York.

Englebright, of Setauket, was elected to the Assembly in 1992. He is chairman of the Committee on Governmental Operations. He previously served as chairman of the committees on aging and of tourism, arts, parks and sports development.

Questions:

Police officers have remained on the job after shooting innocent people, falsifying police reports, lying under oath and committing other misconduct.

Is there a need for increased oversight of law enforcement?

Yes

A New York law known as 50-a keeps investigations into police misconduct hidden from the public. In many states this is not the case.

Should 50-a be repealed?

No

New York does not license police officers, and is one of only six states that does not have the power to end an officer’s career.

Should New York police officers be licensed by the state?

No

His comments:

Regarding question #3, I am open to a studied evaluation of both the positive and negative possible outcomes. Although New York State already sets minimum standards for training and becoming a police officer periodic review of such requirements should be considered.