New Yorkers May have chance to Tell Police to Go “Frisk” Themselves
Though New York City has served as the setting of many famous protests, including the current Occupy Wall Street Movement, the discussion of civil liberties vs. security is often a contentious one in the Big Apple. This is the same city that has endured several high profile terrorist attacks so it is understandable that New York City has to make a tremendous effort to protect itself.
With a population that often falls on the left side of the political aisle it is no surprise that there can be tension with America’s largest municipal police force. However, it seems that New York authorities have capitalized on Post 9/11 security fears with concentrating their efforts on small level marijuana arrests. After the traumatic events that occurred in lower Manhattan’s financial district over a decade ago, most New Yorkers were united and willing to yield some security convenience in order to prevent such devastation from ever happening again. However, directing New York’s vital security resources toward combating low level cannabis possession was not what most New York residents had in mind after the horrifying events on September 11th.
New York City’s infamous “Stop and Frisk” program has come under major scrutiny as of late. New York has decriminalized marijuana possession of less than 25g. Unfortunately police often exploit loopholes in the law. The law states that if marijuana is in plain sight or being smoked then the penalty is a misdemeanor charge instead of the civil citation issued when concealed. NYC officers often demand that civilians empty their pockets and once marijuana is in plain sight they are arrested on the more severe misdemeanor charge. NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly sent a memo out last year requesting officers to stop this practice which seems to unfairly target young Black and Hispanic individuals. Of those arrested in the state for low level marijuana possession, 94% are from NYC, and 82% of them are Hispanic or Black.
Marijuana.net has previously covered statements from Governor Andrew Cuomo which indicate a shift from the tougher anti- marijuana statements he made on the 2010 campaign trail. He has already stated that he is open for a discussion on medical marijuana which could be due to it’s neighbors New Jersey and Connecticut . Now, the Governor seeks to reduce the damaging arrests over small amounts of marijuana. On Monday Andrew Cuomo plans on asking state legislators to decriminalize the same amount (25g) in public view. This would eliminate the plain sight provision which has jailed thousands. Smoking marijuana in public would remain a misdemeanor crime. Many residents were pleased to see Governor Cuomo take on the issue as communities have pleaded with NYC Mayor Bloomberg to stop the practice. Mayor Bloomberg has defended the practice by stating that he feels “Stop and Frisk” discourages people from carrying guns.
Another unspoken issue in New York City is the relationship between residents and the NYPD. Incidents such as the Sean Bell and Amadou Diallo shootings have created a wedge between police and neighborhoods that may still need healing. Because “Stop and Frisk” has only increased the animosity between residents and police, it is encouraging to see Governor Cuomo attempt to bridge the gap between the two.
NY Gov. Cuomo proposes reducing marijuana penalty – Fox News NY pot plan: Right step or bad message? – CNN