City Council Pushes for NYPD Alcohol Testing Legislation After Shootings
A new bill proposed by Councilman Yusef Salaam aims to codify existing New York Police Department (NYPD) procedures requiring officers involved in shootings resulting in injury or death to undergo blood alcohol content (BAC) testing. Despite the practice already being enshrined in the NYPD’s patrol guide, Salaam argues that formalizing the requirement would prevent potential circumvention of the guidelines. This proposal has ignited debate, with police unions labeling it unneeded and the NYPD asserting that the city council’s concerns are already addressed in existing protocols. Salaam, chair of the Committee on Public Safety and one of the exonerated Central Park Five, introduced the bill on Thursday amidst continued scrutiny of police conduct. He maintains that codifying the BAC requirement into law would make it clear that the practice is non-discretionary.“Codifying this requirement into law makes it clear that [this practice] is not discretionary,” Salaam stated. However, he did not cite any instances where NYPD leadership had disregarded the established protocols. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA), however, criticizes the proposal as a redundant and baseless measure that undermines public trust in law enforcement. PBA President Patrick Hendry emphasizes the existence of a stated “police staffing crisis, a violent recidivism crisis and dozens of other pressing public safety problems,” arguing that this bill distracts from addressing more critical issues.”We have a police staffing crisis, a violent recidivism crisis and dozens of other pressing public safety problems,” Hendry said in a statement. “But rather of fixing those issues, this bill tries to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.” The NYPD, while reiterating its commitment to public safety and departmental integrity, stated its willingness to engage in productive discussions with the City Council on the proposed legislation. An NYPD spokesperson said: “The NYPD shares Chair Salaam’s concerns regarding protecting the public and ensuring the integrity of the department— which is why the Department’s Patrol Guide has for years had a procedure on this topic, which requires officers involved in a shooting which caused injury or death inside New York City to be chemically tested for alcohol.”
## Archyde Exclusive: Councilman Yusef Salaam on NYPD Alcohol Testing After Shootings
**Interviewer:** Welcome to Archyde, Councilman Salaam. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your proposed bill regarding alcohol testing for NYPD officers involved in shootings.
**Councilman Salaam:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue that demands our attention.
**Interviewer:** Your bill seeks to codify existing NYPD procedures requiring BAC testing for officers involved in shootings. Can you elaborate on why you feel this legislation is necessary, given that these procedures are already in place?
**councilman Salaam:** While the NYPD currently mandates BAC testing in these situations, codifying it into law adds a layer of clarity and accountability. It ensures that this crucial procedure isn’t subject to departmental discretion or potential change.
Essentially, we are making this vital safeguard an ironclad policy, not just an internal guideline.
**Interviewer:** There are likely those who argue that such a measure presumes guilt before innocence. How would you respond to that criticism?
**Councilman Salaam:** This is not about presumption of guilt. It’s about ensuring a thorough and unbiased inquiry in the aftermath of a tragic event. It’s about creating an surroundings where the public can have complete confidence in the investigative process.
every officer deserves due process, and this measure doesn’t undermine that. Instead, it strengthens it by making the process more transparent and standardized.
**Interviewer:** Can you shed light on the catalyst for this bill? were there specific incidents that spurred its introduction?
**Councilman Salaam:** Unluckily, there have been instances where questions were raised about the circumstances surrounding shootings involving NYPD officers. While internal policy may have dictated BAC testing, publicly formalizing the process strengthens public trust and eliminates any ambiguity.
**Interviewer:** What kind of impact do you anticipate this bill having on NYPD officers and their duties?
**Councilman Salaam:** I believe this bill will ultimately enhance the professionalism and public perception of the NYPD.
Knowing that BAC testing is an unyielding part of protocol after a shooting will promote responsible conduct and reinforce the seriousness with which these situations are treated.
**Interviewer:** what is the next step in the legislative process for your bill?
**Councilman Salaam:** the bill will now be introduced to the City Council for debate and review.my hope is that my colleagues will recognize its importance and move swiftly to pass this necessary legislation.
**Interviewer:** Councilman salaam, thank you for your time and for shedding light on this critical issue.
**Councilman Salaam:** Thank you. I encourage all New Yorkers to engage in this important conversation about accountability and transparency within our law enforcement agencies.
**Interviewer:** Welcome to Archyde, Councilman Salaam. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your proposed bill regarding alcohol testing for NYPD officers involved in shootings.
**Councilman Salaam:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue that demands our attention.
**Interviewer:** Your bill aims to codify existing NYPD procedures requiring officers involved in shootings to undergo BAC testing. why do you believe this needs to be formalized in law, given that the practice is already department policy?
**Councilman Salaam:** While the NYPD’s Patrol Guide does have this procedure, codifying it into law ensures it’s not subject to interpretation or potential circumvention.This adds a vital layer of accountability and transparency, reinforcing the public’s trust in the NYPD’s commitment to conducting thorough investigations after a shooting.
**Interviewer:** The PBA has criticized the bill as unnecessary, arguing that it undermines trust in law enforcement and diverts resources from more pressing issues. How do you respond to that criticism?
**Councilman Salaam:** We must balance the need to address urgent issues with upholding the highest standards of accountability within law enforcement. Ensuring officers are not under the influence of alcohol in the aftermath of a shooting is not only crucial for maintaining public trust but also for protecting the integrity of the investigative process.
**Interviewer:** The NYPD has stated its willingness to engage in discussions. Have you had any productive conversations with the department regarding the proposed legislation?
**Councilman Salaam:** We are committed to working collaboratively with the NYPD to ensure this legislation addresses their concerns while upholding the public’s right to transparency and accountability.
**Interviewer:** This bill comes on the heels of other controversial legislation regarding police conduct, such as the “How Many Stops Act.” Some critics argue these measures place unnecessary burdens on law enforcement. How would you address those concerns?
**Councilman Salaam:** Every piece of legislation should be assessed on its merit. While it’s crucial to support our law enforcement officers,it’s equally crucial to implement measures that promote accountability and build trust between the police and the communities they serve. We believe this bill strikes that balance.
**Interviewer:** thank you for your time and insights, Councilman Salaam.
**Councilman Salaam:** Thank you for having me.
