The following is a compilation of select resources on community policing and criminal justice. It was developed to enhance and continue the discussions that began  on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Pace Law in a timely Town Hall meeting titled “Improving Relationships between Police and Communities of Color.” It commenced with a presentation from Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. from the Urban League of Westchester County who recounted the startling events that led to what he termed the “murder” of his father by White Plains Police Officers a few years ago. Adjunct Law Professor Lou Fasulo also spoke on the many challenges that exist in navigating the issue of better community policing and many questions ensued.

Select books at Pace Law Library

• Community policing, community justice, and restorative justice: exploring the links for the delivery of a balanced approach to public safety by Nicholl, Caroline G – Call # HV7936.C83 N53 1999
• The first civil right: how liberals built prison America by Murakawa, Naomi. – Call # HV9950 .M86 2014
• The last neighborhood cops: the rise and fall of community policing in New York public housing, by Umbach, Gregory Holcomb. – Call # HV7936.C83 U43 2011

Related Pace Law Library Research Guides & Faculty Publications:

• Criminal Justice Information – Victims, Juveniles, Incarcerated & Accused – Collection of selected resources about governmental (federal, state, and local) and non-governmental agencies, organizations, and services that provide assistance within the criminal justice system.
• Prisoners’ Rights Law Resources – A gateway to information on prisoners’ rights, including federal, state, and international primary and secondary sources, in print and online, with a particular focus on special populations and topical issues.
• Pace Law Faculty Publications – Features many related articles on the topic of policing.

Related Law:

• Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 147, which appoints the New York State Attorney General as a special prosecutor in matters relating to the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement officers.
• Police Shield Laws – New York Civil Rights Law § 50-a. Personnel records of police officers, firefighters and correction officers are deemed confidential
• Via the Taylor Law, New York City’s Police Dept.’s labor union, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) was able to have a requirement for its members that allows 24 hours to elapse prior to investigating a NYC police officer.  See more at, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Ass’n of City of N.Y., Inc. v. N. Y. Pub. Rel. Bd., 6 N.Y.3d 563 (2006).

Organizations:

• New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) –  has a useful Stop & Fisk App  for both Android & iOS devices.
• Mental Illness – The NYPD handles incidents involving mental illness under the Memphis Model.