Police misconduct: What do your elected officials think?

Background:

Silver is Assembly speaker, making him one of three men at the state Capitol who largely control the state's budget and legislation. 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.

Silver was first elected to the Assembly in 1976. He was chosen as speaker in 1994 and still holds that post. He is a graduate of Yeshiva University and Brooklyn Law School and lives in Manhattan.

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Should 50-a be repealed?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:

Silver has not filled in the survey.