PONAN Statement on Police Policy to Give Awards for Civilians Who Assist with Arrests

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Aug 23, 2018

STATEMENT FROM REV. AL SHARPTON ON THE SERGEANT BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION’S RECENT DECISION TO OFFER $500 TO CIVILIANS WHO HELP COPS WRESTLE SUSPECTS RESISTING ARREST

NEW YORK (August 23, 2018) — Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights leader and President of National Action Network (NAN) released the following statement on the Sergeant Benevolent Association’s (SBA) decision to offer $500 cash award to any civilian who helps cops wrestle suspects who resist arrest, as well as New York State Senator Marty Golden’s recent legislation to shield civilians from potential civil liability incurred from interference.

“We at National Action Network are disgusted but not at all surprised by Ed Mullins’, State Senator Marty Golden, and the entire Sergeant Benevolent Association’s most recent reminder to Black and Brown New Yorkers that not only do they not care about our lives — but they are actively seeking to take our lives. This attempt to exacerbate vigilante violence against Black and Brown people and now monetarily incentivize that violence is unconscionable.”

“State Senator Golden’s attempt to codify this regressive legislation that resembles some of this country’s most shameful Jim Crow laws is despicable and will be fought at every measure. We are emboldened to act and resist this blatant and poorly veiled attempt to devalue the lives of Black and Brown people and put them into the hands of civilians.”