This week, following the settlement, as reported, of various legal cases in relation to the NYPD’s handling of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, and the announcement of a new tiered, policing approach to the handling of future spontaneous protests in New York City, we asked readers if they had faith that the new approach, which has been agreed with the protestors’ defense attorneys and which is subject to review, will work.

 

City officials said the new approach combines multiple law enforcement strategies, including the use of more community affairs officers to liaise and de-escalate situations with protesters, the presence of patrol officers to enforce traffic laws and direct crowds, and the deployment of specialized units, including the Strategic Response Group (SRG) “as necessary” to ensure public safety. They said the agreement also establishes a collaborative committee that will evaluate the NYPD’s response to 12 protests over the next three years.

 

“I’d briefly heard about the settlement. I feel like if they come together and actually help the community, that would be a great thing, but there’s been a lot of times when we were told this, so it’s really hit or miss. I’m looking forward to change in the community.”

Amirah Vanterpool,

Throggs Neck

“My feelings are, because of their history in coming after protesters and they don’t understand sometimes, I would have liked to have seen a therapist included at their rollcalls. Everybody that’s hotheaded don’t all need their help… They should talk to people because they go straight to the boss and now you have a person half beat-up.”

Simone Jones,

Fordham Heights

“I’m aware of the aggressive tactics of the New York City Police Department against Black Lives Matter people and my understanding is they were often brutal and insensitive to the hurting they were doing to these protesters. So, I hope the police department can persuade its members to be more civil at these demonstrations.”

Lance Rosenbaum,

Norwood

“I think it was a shame to see what happened to those humble protesters for vocalizing their right to stand up for the oppression of the African American community that is happening today in modern day America. It’s a shame that some people are ignorant to the struggles the minority community faces.”

Louis Russo,

Morris Park

“I had read that the agreement calls for officers to give three warnings before making any arrests at a protest. I think if that is implemented, a lot of people who don’t want to get arrested, won’t. I do have faith in this plan.”

Diane Slone,

Co-Op City