Round Table Discussion Calls for NYPD Reform

by Stephanie Colombini | 07/31/2014 | 3:30pm

Round Table Discussion Calls for NYPD Reform

New York City Mayor De Blasio participated in a round table discussion with the Reverend Al Sharpton and Police Commissioner William Bratton today. They're trying to reform the NYPD after this month's death of Eric Garner on Staten Island.

Eric Garner died as police were arresting him for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes.  The NYPD drew a lot of controversy after video footage of Garner's arrest shows officers placing him in an apparent chokehold, something their policy prohibits. 

Police Commisioner Bratton says he wants to retrain the entire department about how to use force.  But Reverend Sharpton says that's not enough.

"The best way to make the police stop using illegal chokeholds is to perp-walk one of them that did," he said.  "And when they understand they've got to pay like anybody else that breaks the law, it will send a lesson that 10 training lessons would not give them."

Sharpton says the city needs to establish mutual respect between the police and the public.  Mayor De Blasio says he agrees with Sharpton's views.  But he says he supports Commissioner Bratton's belief that training is the best solution.

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