Public Advocate candidate and City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) today unveiled a 10-page platform to end mass incarceration and the unequal treatment of people of color in the criminal legal system.
Dubbed “Justice Reform: A More Equitable NYC,” Williams’ plan incorporates his long history as an activist in civilian/police relations and prioritizes community engagement. It also includes a proposal for the Public Advocate’s office opening satellite offices in the boroughs with the highest number of Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) complaints and gun violence incidents to work to reduce the harm inflicted on these communities.
![Jumaane Williams](https://politicsny.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Jumaane-Williams-150x150.png)
“The problems that plague our communities throughout the five boroughs are no small task to handle,” Williams said. “But I believe that when we engage with the community to implement reforms from the ground up, we can create meaningful, lasting change in New York. Throughout this campaign I’ve talked about how important it is to have an activist as our Public Advocate, and when I am elected I will fight tirelessly for every family in this city.”
The three-pronged platform includes:
Police Reform
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The passage of the Police-Stat Act in New York State. This measure increases data collection of low-level enforcement and interaction that take place between police and the local communities of color.
- The passage of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). This has to do with the legalization of marijuana.
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Repealing 50-a. This measure, 50-a, serves to shield the NYPD from releasing the records of police officers when misconduct is alleged.
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The opening of satellite offices in areas with highest amount of CCRB complaints and gun violence incidents to reduce the harm inflicted on these communities.
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Making NYPD disciplinary practices fair, inclusive and effective.
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Increased staffing and funding of Inspector General’s office.
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The promotion of greater transparency in data released by the Police Department.
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Ending cash bail and for-profit commercial bail bonds for all misdemeanor offenses.
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Pushing the courts to use their full discretion on alternative bail.
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Sentencing reform to encourage judges’ discretion and reduce the chance for immigration enforcement to use our local criminal legal system.
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Expanding the crisis management system and increase its funding.
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Renewing the contracts that support the crisis management system.
Also supporting the measures and at the press conference was State Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Bushwick, Cypress Hills, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, East New York).
The full plan can be viewed HERE.