Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Skelos is co-leader of the State Senate, making him one of three men at the state Capitol who largely control the budget and legislation. Working with the Assembly, the State Senate 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.

Skelos has represented the district since 1984, when President Ronald Reagan campaigned for him to help defeat a Democratic incumbent. He hasn't faced a strong challenge since 1986. He lives in Rockville Centre.

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?

No response

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Should 50-a be repealed?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 response

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 response

His comments:

Skelos has not filled in the survey.