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Landmark “Stop and Frisk” Trial Concludes in NYC

HeadlineMay 21, 2013

A class action trial challenging the New York City Police Department’s controversial “stop-and-frisk” policy has concluded after two months. Plaintiffs in the case argued the NYPD’s practices are unconstitutional and unfairly target people of color. Nearly 90 percent of people stopped by police in 2011 were black and Latino, and nine out of 10 were neither arrested nor ticketed. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin expressed interest in ordering police to wear cameras so their actions can be fully documented. Judge Scheindlin also criticized the effectiveness of “stop and frisk,” telling city attorneys: “You reasonably suspect something and you’re wrong 90 percent of the time.” A ruling is expected in the coming months.

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