Stop-and-Frisk Ruled Unconstitutional by New York Judge

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

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Earlier this week, Federal Judge, Shira A. Scheindlin ruled New York Police Department’s stop-and-frisk tactics violated minorities’ constitutional rights.

Stop-and-frisk is designed to allow police officers to frisk suspicious people. This tactic was enacted in order to counter terrorism within the city. Now Judge Scheindlin tells New York Times it is a “policy of indirect racial profiling.” Scheindlin also states police are targeting black and Hispanic men who made up 83% of the people who were stopped.

While Judge Scheindlin says the tactic has turned to racial profiling, Mayor Michael Bloomberg continues to defend stop-and-frisk. New York Times reports Mayor Bloomberg claims the city was not given a fair trial and would appeal. He also states he does not want to be responsible for any deaths if the appeal does not go through.

Judge Scheindlin offered alternative tactics other than stop-and-frisk. Scheindlin suggests having police officers wear cameras located somewhere on their uniform to monitor any encounters with a civilian and police officer. Further, the judge ordered a “joint remedial process,” this allows communities to suggest better tactics to keep NYC safe.

For more information on the ruling of stop-and-frisk, please CLICK HERE.

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