Res 0598-2015

By Council Members Barron, Johnson, Reynoso, Richards, Torres, Williams and Perkins Whereas, In 1994, the New York Police Department ("NYPD") introduced "Broken Windows" policing in New York City; and Whereas, As part of "Broken Windows" policing, it is alleged that NYPD officers prompted New Yorkers during stop-and-frisk encounters to empty their pockets; and Whereas, Often these stops lead to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge when marijuana comes into public view; and Whereas, In November 2014, Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bratton announced a new policy whereby individuals found in public possession of less than 25 grams of marijuana that is not burning will be issued a court summons instead of being arrested on a misdemeanor charge; and Whereas, Mayor de Blasio characterized the policy change by saying it would direct police resources "towards more serious crime" and not waste "officer time processing unnecessary arrests;" and Whereas, Black and Latino individuals make up about 54% of New York City's population; and Whereas, 86% of New Yorkers who were arrested for marijuana possession in the first eight months of 2014 were black or Latino; and Whereas, Research shows that communities of color disproportionately battle the harsh impacts of low-level marijuana charges for the rest of their lives; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low-level marijuana related offenses that occurred in New York City from 2000 through 2014. _____ BG LS 3505/2015 1/28/15, 6:00P