Res 0448-2022

Whereas, Police execute "no-knock" warrants and enter an individual's residence without announcing their presence; and Whereas, Police execute warrants in this manner in order to prevent potential destruction of evidence and escape of suspects; and Whereas, According to the New York Civil Liberties Union, police departments have increasingly relied on military equipment in routine operations, including the use of battering rams and flash-grenades while executing warrants, in a manner that contributes to panic and confusion, which elevates the chances of police involved shootings; and Whereas, According to the New York Daily News, the New York City Police Department has been criticized for executing no-knock search warrants, including in wrong locations, subjecting innocent individuals and families to trauma and property damage when the police operation was intended for a different location or individual;, and Whereas, Nationally, public attention to the risks of harm and death caused by the use of no-knock warrants was heightened following the tragic death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police in Louisville, Kentucky when they executed a no-knock warrant in her apartment as part of a drug investigation targeting another individual; and Whereas, In response to Breonna Taylor's death, the Louisville Metro Council unanimously banned the use of no-knock warrants; and Whereas, Enacting S11A, sponsored by Senator James Sanders, and A/2683, sponsored by Daniel O'Donnell, would prohibit the use of no-knock warrants, except in certain circumstances, such as when necessary to prevent imminent danger to the life of the executing officers or another person; and Whereas, S11A/A2683 would limit the use of no-knock warrants in a manner that would decrease the occurrence of unnecessary use of force and police involved shootings, and help avoid serious harm and deadly consequences such operations have brought, often disproportionately on communities of color; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S11A/A2683, which would prohibit the use of no- knock warrants, except in certain circumstances. CMB LSR#2344 LSR#5758/4904 LSR#9451 11/10/22