Res. No. 91
Resolution calling upon the New York City Police Department and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to stop arresting people for committing minor infractions in the transit system, irrespective of whether they have an arrest record or have previously committed minor infractions in the system.
By Council Member Williams
Whereas, Currently, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Police Department (NYPD) are authorized to impose fines on or arrest people who commit minor infractions in the transit system; and
Whereas, These minor infractions include, but are not limited to, littering, sleeping, occupying more than one seat, and placing a foot on a seat; and
Whereas, Reports indicate that people accused of committing a minor infraction are more likely to be arrested, rather than subjected to a fine, if they have an arrest record or have previously committed a minor infraction in the transit system; and
Whereas, In addition to being very disruptive, an arrest can cause significant stress, financial hardship, loss of employment and difficulty in finding employment, among other things; and
Whereas, Many people believe that MTA rules are being enforced unfairly and inconsistently across the City; and
Whereas, Arresting people for minor infractions is overly punitive and unfair, and officers should only use arrest as a last resort when enforcing MTA rules and should do so uniformly and fairly; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Police Department and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to stop arresting people for committing minor infractions in the transit system, irrespective of whether they have an arrest record or a have previously committed minor infractions in the system.
AM
Res 1475/2012
LS 453/2014
01/29/14