New York votes on scrapping law which protects disciplinary records of police officers

New Delhi, India

Lawmakers in New York on Tuesday voted to repeal an old law which protects the disciplinary records of officers from the public.

State governor Andrew Cuomo said that he plans to sign the bill into law this week, which will attempt to counter police brutality.

New York City, the cultural hub of the United States is currently reeling from the effects of coronavirus and the ongoing protests against the murder of George Floyd.

Also read: New York to introduce a package of bills to curb police excesses

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country, but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe.

The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo recently said that state legislators are coming up with an overhaul of criminal justice, which could pave the way for nationwide reform.

Uniformed officers wear protective face masks as they listen while Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York President Pat Lynch speaks as he and representatives from other New York City Police Department (NYPD) and law enforcement unions hold a news conference in New York City, US, June 9, 2020 | Reuters

Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old police officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with second and third-degree murder, with his previous bail set at $1 million. However, on Tuesday, the bail was raised by $250,000 to $1.25 million.

The package of bills will focus on curbing police excesses and abuses, and by banning the “chokehold” which led to the death of Floyd.

"If they pass the bills that we've discussed, I will sign the bills, and I will sign them as soon as they're passed," Cuomo said in a briefing.

Also read: NYC police officer who shoved protester charged with assault

The bill constitutes a bigger package of reform measures in the police force.

New York’s Civil Rights Law, 50-a, prevents the disclosure of disciplinary action against police officers in the city.

"The legislation that will be passed over the coming days will help stop bad actors and send a clear message that brutality, racism, and unjustified killings will not be tolerated," New York Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement.