Judge Rules 'Stop & Frisk' Policy Unconstitutional

A key component of the policy leads to unjustified arrests and harrassment by cops, judge says.

A New York Federal Court judge has ruled a key part of the NYPD’s “stop and frisk” tactic unconstitutional. Judge Shira Scheindlin has ordered police impede making trespass stops outside private residential buildings, as part of the NYPD’s “Clean Halls” program.

The New York Civil Liberties Union argued an eight-day hearing in October that the “Clean Halls” program leads to people being harassed and hassled by cops for no legitimate reason. Jeannette Rucker, a Bronx prosecutor, has expressed skepticism over the legality of the practice and insisted to interview arresting officers before she rubber-stamp trespassing arrests. Scheindlin has also ordered a Jan. 31 hearing to determine what other relief should be established. (NY Daily News)

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