Yesterday, Jay Z proclaimed his support of
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as the politician rolled sweeping reforms in
his fifth fifth State of the State speech.
Particularly, the governor outlined a 7-point
plan to facilitate better relations between police and the communities they
serve. The move comes on the controversial death of Eric Garner, the most
visible victim of police brutality in the current New York. Garner’s killer,
Officer Daniel Pantaleo, was not indicted for murder.
Jay Z, real name Shawn Carter, applauded the
move in a statement.
“The criminal justice reform package proposed
by Governor Cuomo today is a huge step forward in restoring fairness,
protection, sensitivity and accountability for all under our justice system,”
the Roc Nation mogul stated. “ I commend Governor Cuomo for his bold
leadership in taking this issue head on at this critical time. This
package presents comprehensive steps to protect and improve relations amongst
all citizens. We cannot be divided, as every single human being
matters. Together, we can move forward as a community, with mutual
respect for each other and continue to make this great state stronger than ever
before.”
In his speech, Cuomo admitted the obvious –
there is a problem with police brutality in New York.
“The promise of equal justice is a New York
promise and it is an American promise. We are currently in the midst of a
national problem where people are questioning our justice system,” Cuomo told
an audience in Albany, lightly referencing other acts of police misconduct.
“And they’re questioning whether the justice system really is fairness for all.
And whether the justice system really is colorblind. And that’s not just New
York, it’s a problem all across the country.”
Cuomo called for:
Cuomo called for:
“A
statewide commission on police and community relations, that includes community
leaders and reps from the police as well
The
governor will seek to hire more minority officers
The
NYPD will seek to buy more equipment, including body cameras to be wore by
officers
Cuomo
seeks to have police brutality indictments, or lack of, explained by lawyers in
closed jury cases
An
independent monitor would also have full access to these otherwise sealed grand
jury records.
The
monitor will likely have the power to recommend the appointment of a special
prosecutor if the local DA is unable to get an indictment in police brutality
cases in New York.
The
plan also would seek to protect 16 and 17-year-olds found guilty of a crime
from going into state prisons.
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