NEW YORK, NY — Law enforcement unions from across New York will be meeting at a statewide summit to discuss ways to strengthen police influence in New York State and New York City.
According to a letter distributed to state agencies and legislators and the New York Post, about 300 law enforcement officers are expected to attending this conference at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach at 10 am, on Thursday January 22nd for a newly formed New York Public Safety Alliance. The conference agenda will include changing bail reform and the city’s diaphragm bill, which cops have said makes it more difficult to make an arrest. Issues to be discussed include the appointment of parole board members, criminal court judges, and improving police officer retention, according to the New York Post. Concerns about the New York City Mayors proposals to send mental-health professionals instead of police officers to some emergency calls are a growing concern to police officers.
“Every police officer and peace officer organization is invited,” said Scott Munro, NYC Detectives Endowment President.. “This is our day to set the agenda to protect those who serve and those we serve. Politicians are not invited. Politicians have to know that thousands of law enforcement officers and their families are standing together on this,” Munro said. “If you’re a Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy or you’re protecting a park or you’re a court or probation officer, your voice will be heard. Law enforcement needs to be united.”
Louis Civello, president of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, called the summit “historic” and intended to send a message to elected officials that “we will not sit idle while public safety is jeopardized. We are united and ready to engage the public to ensure a much-needed reckoning occurs at the ballot box this November,” he said. “We will vote, we will campaign, we will use every tool at our disposal in order to elect candidates that will prioritize the safety of the public and protect the lives of our brave law enforcement officers.
The planned summit comes as the new city administration is planning major changes to public safety strategy, including a proposal to create a Department of Community Safety that would expand the role of civilian responders to address some police issues – a move critics say could weaken law enforcement and strain already thin resources.
