Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Solages 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.

Solages is in her first term. A lifelong Elmont resident, Solages graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in athletic training. She is the sister of Nassau County Legis. Carrié Solages (D-Elmont).

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Should 50-a be repealed?

Yes

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?

Yes

Her comments:

I am in favor of transparency in government. If police misconduct has been founded, then the public should be able to access that information. I am in favor of policing licensing. Police licensing would establish a statewide standard for both the licensing and conduct of police officers.