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New York Police officers restrain protesters during a demonstration in the Brooklyn borough of New York. | Seth Wenig, File/ AP Photo
NYPD undermined public trust with aggressive protest response, watchdog agency finds
Updated
NEW YORK The NYPD’s aggressive response to protests that swept the city after the death of George Floyd heightened tensions and undermined public trust in the ability of the police to protect the rights of citizens, a probe by the Department of Investigation has found.
NYPD officers used “excessive enforcement” against protesters including kettling, or hemming in a group of demonstrators, mass arrests, and employing batons and pepper spray, investigators wrote in a report released Friday morning.
There is an increased police presence in the area as we carry out our enquiries and I would like to thank local residents for their co-operation and understanding for any disruption as we do this. At the current time we do not believe there is any risk to the wider public. “We are asking anyone with any information, including dash cam footage of a black BMW X5 travelling between Stoney Lane in Broadwas to Ankerdine Road during 5pm and midnight on Saturday, in particular between 9pm and 9.30pm on Stoney Lane, Broadwas and the immediate area. We are also asking for any dash cam footage from any members of the public who were travelling on the Ankerdine Road, travelling from Upper Broadheath towards Broad Green, as well as footage from those travelling along the A44, Broadwas, Cotheridge and Ankerdine Road areas during the hours of 5pm to midnight on Saturday.”
A 51-year-old man charged with murder will appear at crown court to enter his plea, following a hearing today. Mark Andrew Frank Chilman appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates today charged with the murder of a 60-year-old man in Cotheridge on December 12. Chilman, wearing a grey sweater, appeared unemotional throughout the hearing. Because of the nature of the case, the matter can only be heard at crown court, where Chilman will appear either tomorrow (December 18) or Monday (December 21). Chilman, of Rainbow Street in Bromyard, will be held in custody at HMP Hewell until his court date, where he will enter his plea.
He changed his mind on this, choosing instead to be represented by Gary Harper. This caused a small amount of confusion with court staff having to move the case to a different courtroom than expected. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene in a layby in the village. He was found dead in a BMW, reported to have been burned out. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of murder regarding the same incident, has been released on bail. In a previous statement, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Peters said: “This is clearly a very serious and tragic incident that has seen a man lose his life and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time.”
NYC Council passes whistleblower protection bill Michael Gartland, New York Daily News
A bill aimed at protecting municipal workers who call out government malfeasance won approval in the New York City Council on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Bronx Councilman Ritchie Torres, would require the city’s chief lawyer, the corporation counsel, to probe allegations of wrong-doing that arise within the city’s Department of Investigation and would obligate entities investigating whistleblower retaliation claims to provide updates on cases every 90 days.
“This bill would ensure that a whistleblower is provided periodic status updates regarding any investigation,” Torres said Wednesday during a Council Oversight and Investigations Committee hearing on the bill. “The investigation would conclude with recommendations for corrective action to the relevant agency or entity. If the agency or entity fails to take corrective action recommended by or acceptable within