Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Sweeney 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.

Sweeney, of Lindenhurst, was first elected to the Assembly in a special election in March 1988 after spending 14 years as Lindenhurst village clerk. He received a bachelor's degree in history from Adelphi University and a master's degree in public administration from LIU Post.

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Should 50-a be repealed?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:

District Attorneys, the Governor, and the New York State Attorney General currently have, under existing law, oversight authority and the ability to investigate, and respond to, such allegations. Additionally, local governments outside of the police department can conduct their own investigations.