Res. No. 12
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York State legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low-level marijuana related offenses that occurred in New York City from 2000 through 2014.
Body
By Council Members Barron, Brannan, Miller, Cornegy and Levin
Whereas, In 1994, the New York Police Department ("NYPD") introduced "Broken Windows" policing in New York City; and
Whereas, As part of "Broken Windows" policing, it is alleged that NYPD officers prompted New Yorkers during stop-and-frisk encounters to empty their pockets; and
Whereas, Often these stops lead to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge when marijuana comes into public view; and
Whereas, In November 2014, Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bratton announced a new policy whereby individuals found in public possession of less than 25 grams of marijuana that is not burning will be issued a court summons instead of being arrested on a misdemeanor charge; and
Whereas, Mayor de Blasio characterized the policy change by saying it would direct police resources "towards more serious crime" and not waste "officer time processing unnecessary arrests;" and
Whereas, Black and Latino individuals make up about 54% of New York City's population; and
Whereas, 86% of New Yorkers who were arrested for marijuana possession in the first eight months of 2014 were black or Latino; and
Whereas, Research shows that communities of color disproportionately battle the harsh impacts of low-level marijuana charges for the rest of their lives; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low...
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