20 THE COURIER SUN • JULY 25, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com Pols come out IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY SAFETY ACT BY LIAM LA GUERRE lguerre@queenscourier.com A group of Queens councilmembers that voted in favor of controversial legislation to oversee the activities of the NYPD gathered at Borough Hall to reaffi rm their support last week. Led by Councilmember Leroy Comrie, the public offi cials, including Borough President Helen Marshall and various minority groups, said the Community Safety Act would help end profi ling by police offi cers. The group also blasted Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who vetoed the act on Tuesday, July 23, and the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) for “attacking” councilmembers in support of the proposed legislation. “We want people to understand that these are common-sense, tempered measures that have been put together only after a lot of consultation with many different entities, including law enforcement,” Comrie said. The act, which consists of two bills, was approved by the council about three weeks ago. One of the bills creates an inspector general to share oversight of the NYPD with the police commissioner. The other bill will make it easier for people to take the department to court over discrimination. Supporters believe it will end alleged abuses of the stop-and-frisk policy, which they say overly targets minorities, and will improve community relations with cops. “Unfortunately in this city, and in particular in communities of color, many people don’t trust the police offi cers,” Councilmember Mark Weprin said. “We want them to trust the police so when they see something wrong, they say something.” Opponents believe the Community Safety Act will interrupt the NYPD by dragging offi cers to court for costly cases. Brooklyn councilmember Jumaane Williams, a co-sponsor of the bill, joined the rally and issued a challenge to Bloomberg. “You point out in the bill where it says you cannot use descriptions and you point out where it says police offi cers may be fi nancially harmed and I will pull the bill before the override vote,” Williams said. “It’s time to put up or shut up.” The PBA has challenged councilmembers in support of the bill with upcoming elections, such as Weprin, by supporting their opponents and handing out fl yers in their district. “The PBA is not attacking any councilmembers,” said PBA Communications Director Albert O’Leary. “We are simply informing their constituents that the offi cers who protect their community believe that these representatives did not vote in the best interest of the community by supporting two badly conceived and unnecessary bills.” THE COURIER/Photos by Liam La Guerre Councilmember Leroy Comrie signing a pledge to support the Community Safety Act. STAIR LIFTS TK WITAKER $2,695 Starting At NEW and INSTALLED • Stair Lifts • Wheel Chair Lifts • Ramps • Straight, Curved, Narrow Staircases • Folds up against wall • Factory Direct Pricing • Installed within 48 Hours • New, Reconditioned and Rentals • Sales • 24 Hour Service • Over 20 Years Serving the New York Area • Licensed & Insured 1-855-WITAKER 631-327-3339 (cell) www.tkwitaker.com FREE ESTIMATES
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