New York City isn’t the kind of place that gun owners really feel welcome, but the NYPD has a long and storied history. It’s probably one of the most respected law enforcement agencies in the nation, with resources that rival federal agencies in some ways. However, the department hasn’t been getting along with Mayor Bill de Blasio for quite some time.
And that was before the riots that have engulfed much of the nation. It was also before the mayor’s daughter was arrested at a protest.
Now, though, it seems like the entire system is buckling under the lawlessness that has taken over so much of our nation.
After all, the district attorney of Manhattan has already come out and said protestors arrested by police won’t be charged by his office.
The Manhattan District Attorney announced on Friday that his office would not be prosecuting protesters arrested for low-level crimes.
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, Jr. announced that Unlawful Assembly and Disorderly Conduct would not be prosecuted during the demonstrations over police violence.
““The prosecution of protestors charged with these low-level offenses undermines critical bonds between law enforcement and the communities we serve. Days after the killing of George Floyd, our nation and our city are at a crossroads in our continuing endeavor to confront racism and systemic injustice wherever it exists. Our office has a moral imperative to enact public policies which assure all New Yorkers that in our justice system and our society, black lives matter and police violence is a crime. We commend the thousands of our fellow New Yorkers who have peacefully assembled to demand these achievable aims, and our door is open to any New Yorker who wishes to be heard,” Vance said in a statement.
Note, however, that it’s still illegal to go to church in the Big Apple.
What Vance has basically told the NYPD is that no matter what happens, people protesting illegally will be given a free pass. Now, in fairness, this doesn’t cover charges like vandalism, arson, or any kind of assaults. Those are the crimes most easily associated with outright riots, so the NYPD can still act there.
However, the problem is that the police have to move quickly if they want to prevent a riot, yet Vance has already said they won’t be prosecuted for anything.
As bad as that is, though, it’s not the biggest blow to the NYPD.
This morning we committed to move resources from the NYPD to youth and social services as part of our City’s budget.
Our young people need to be reached, not policed.
We can do this AND keep our city safe.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 7, 2020
In other words, de Blasio plans to cut funding for the NYPD and funnel that money over to his own pet projects, despite the fact that the NYPD has made the city remarkably safe for a place with that kind of population density.
Of course, it’s hard not to wonder how much the NYPD’s arrest of his daughter might have played into this.
Personally, I don’t think it had much to do with it. It’s not like de Blasio was friends with the department before. Further, this is the kind of hair-brained proposal you’d expect from a dyed in the wool socialist like him. His daughter’s arrest probably had no bearing on the issue.
The fact that he’s been so openly antagonistic to the NYPD, though, well…that might have played a factor.
For the good men and women of the NYPD, they’re watching as the department they serve is likely to be gutted for social services that are likely to accomplish nothing, all so the mayor can feel good about himself.
Anyone reading this living in New York City, do yourself a favor.
Move.
