NYPD Lenient on Illegal Stop-and-Frisk Discipline

A court-ordered review by retired judge James Yates has found that the NYPD is consistently lenient in disciplining officers who conduct illegal stop-and-frisk searches, a practice declared unconstitutional in 2013 for its racial profiling. Despite internal recommendations for penalties, police commissioners often reduce or dismiss these penalties, citing 'good faith' or 'lack of mal-intention.' The report highlighted that stop-and-frisk violations are not pursued with the same rigor as other misconduct, contributing to ongoing Fourth Amendment violations. The NYPD has acknowledged the report and promised to respond. The federal judge overseeing NYPD reforms has opened the report for public comment until December 25.