Help Repeal 50-A to Stop Hiding Police Disciplinary Records from the Public

UPDATE: On June 9, the New York State Legislature passed critical legislation that will fully repeal 50-a, which up until now has allowed law enforcement to shield police misconduct records from the public. One the Governor signs the bill into law, these disciplinary records will now be publicly disclosed, increasing systemic accountability through transparency and taking New York one step forward to addressing police violence in our communities.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis by a police officer who pinned him to the ground. It was later reported that the officer had 18 complaints previously filed against him, including for use of excessive force and violence. Another officer who stood by as Floyd cried out for help but did not intervene also had numerous complaints lodged against him.

Repealing 50-A would help to increase police transparency and prevent such abuses and injustices from happening. The current law, which allows the police to keep disciplinary records private, prevents transparency regarding acts of misconduct by police officers, denies police accountability, impedes racial justice, and enables wrongful conviction.