Res. No. 1204
Resolution in support of A.6062/S.3809, which would amend the Penal Law by increasing the penalties for assaulting a New York City sanitation worker.
By Council Members Crowley, Wills, Williams, Dromm, Ferreras, Fidler, Gentile, Gonzalez, James, Koo, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Levin, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Recchia, Rose, Van Bramer, Nelson, Dickens, Chin, Lappin, Vallone and Halloran
Whereas, New York City sanitation workers perform crucial services for the city, ensuring its cleanliness and enhancing the quality of life of all New Yorkers; and
Whereas, While performing their assigned duties, sanitation workers can be subject to assaults, verbal and physical abuse; and
Whereas, The dangers of these jobs have been demonstrated in recent incidents; and
Whereas, In September of 2008, a motorist assaulted Juan Ramos, a 74 year-old sanitation worker, with a shovel because Mr. Ramos's sanitation truck obstructed his path down the street; and
Whereas, Mr. Ramos, who was a 22 year veteran of the sanitation department at the time, suffered many broken ribs due to this attack; and
Whereas, In light of this incident and others like it, there must be tools in place to punish those who harm New York City sanitation workers in the line of duty; and
Whereas, Under current law, the penalty for assaulting an on-duty New York City sanitation workers does not carry the same penalties as crimes of assault against police officers, peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical services professionals; and
Whereas, In order to prevent assaults against New York City sanitation workers, Senator Martin Golden and Assemblymember Joseph Lentol have introduced S.3809 and A.6062, respectively, which would amend the Penal Law in relation to assaults on a New York City sanitation worker; and
Whereas, S.3809/A.6062 would amend two subdivisions within the crime of assault in the second degree, a class D felony, by enabling New York City sanitation workers performing an assigned duty to receive the same protections presently afforded to peace officers and police officers, among others, in the course of assaults which: (1) are caused by releasing or failing to control an animal in order to obstruct the lawful activity of such worker with the intent to prevent a New York City sanitation worker from performing a lawful duty; and (2) lead to physical injury as a result of someone trying to prevent a sanitation worker from performing his or her duties; and
Whereas, It should be recognized that New York City sanitation workers confront substantial risks as they serve the people of the City, and that they are entitled to the same protections as peace officers and police officers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports A.6062/S.3809, which would amend the Penal Law by increasing the penalties for assaulting a New York City sanitation worker.
SA
1/24/12
LS # 2396