Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled “overwhelming evidence” exists that the NYPD is running a centralized “stop-and-frisk” program that has led to thousands of unlawful stops and arrests. As a result the federal judge certified a 2008 class action lawsuit that challenges the NYPD “stop and frisk” program. The class action plaintiffs’ allege the NYPD purposefully engages in the widespread practice of concentrating the “stop-and-frisk” program in minority neighborhoods based specifically on racial composition and quotas. Judge Scheindlin reasoned the “Defendants cavalier attitude towards the prospect of a widespread practice of suspicionless sops displays a deeply troubled apathy towards New Yorkers’ most fundamental constitutional rights.” The class action lawsuit challenges the Fourth Amendment’s right to be free from unlawful searches and seizures and the 14 th Amendment right to be free from discrimination.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an unlawful search and seizure or arrest, please contact the New York criminal attorneys of Bashian & Papantoniou to schedule a consultation.