Res. No. 231 Title Resolution calling upon the appropriate committee of the New York City Council to conduct hearings on the Police Department's rules regarding press pass distribution to the media. Body By Council Members Lopez, Comrie, Martinez, Monserrate and Seabrook Whereas, The First Amendment right of freedom of the press is a cornerstone of the American system of government; and Whereas, Free access of the press provides this City with valuable information regarding events in the community; and Whereas, Media access to emergency events, such as fires or crime scenes, is an integral component of providing the community with important information; and Whereas, The New York City Police Department (NYPD) promulgates rules regarding the eligibility requirements for applying for a working press card; and Whereas, Such requirements indicate that working press cards may only be issued to full-time news staff employees whose duties routinely require them to cross police and fire lines and are regularly involved in spot emergency news coverage; and Whereas, Such rules on applying for a working press card impede the ability of smaller media organizations to cover crime or fire scenes because many smaller media groups may not be able to hire full-time employees; and Whereas, The NYPD's rules for applying for working press cards should be designed to allow the maximum amount of media coverage, by all types of media organizations, consistent with public safety; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the appropriate committee of the New York City Council conduct hearings on the Police Department's rules regarding press pass distribution to the media.