A police officer must have reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred, is occurring or is about to occur in order to stop and frisk an individual. This type of stop can be an important component of a law enforcement investigation; an accompanying pat-down or body frisk can also be important for the safety of the officer and persons nearby. However, recent reports indicate that the number of individuals stopped and frisked in New York City has increased significantly in recent years. Further, it has been reported that almost 90% of these encounters do not result in an arrest. Published reports as well as community feedback also demonstrate that persons of color and ethnic minorities are disproportionately subject to these stop and frisk procedures. These circumstances call into question the methodology employed by the New York City Police Department to determine when a stop should occur, and which individuals should be subjected to a police pat down.

The Assembly has repeatedly approved legislation that would require all police departments in the state to implement a policy against racial and ethnic profiling, This legislation would also require police departments to maintain data on vehicle and pedestrian stops and make such data available, in order to assess whether a police department is engaging in racial or ethnic profiling.

The purpose of this roundtable discussion is to hear from a variety of knowledgeable sources concerning the current "stop and frisk" policy and practice in New York City, to consider the possible impact of this practice on issues of public safety, and to consider the collateral effects on individuals and families of persons being stopped or detained - sometimes repeatedly -- when the person has not in fact committed a crime.

Please see the reverse side for a list of subjects to which participants may direct their comments.

Persons wishing to participate at the above roundtable should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

In order to further publicize this roundtable, please inform interested parties and organizations of this upcoming roundtable discussion.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Joseph R. Lentol
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Codes

Jeffrion L. Aubry
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Correction

Karim Camara
Member of Assembly
Chairman
New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus

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• How prevalent is "stop and frisk" and does it disproportionately impact certain persons or groups?

• Are the "stop and frisk" practices prevalent in New York City consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements? Why or why not?

• Who are the persons most impacted by these stops? Is the procedure widespread, or concentrated or most common in certain communities?

• Are persons of color and ethnic minorities disproportionately subject to stop and frisk procedures? If so, why?

• How do individuals who have been stopped and patted down in this manner view law enforcement as a result of these encounters? What is the effect, if any, on police/ community relations?

• What is the role or impact of a community policing model in deterring crime and increasing cooperation with law enforcement investigations? How do current stop and frisk policies relate to community policing strategies?

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Persons wishing to present comments at the public roundtable on an examination of "stop and frisk" policy and practice are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: