Lawmakers: NYPD May Be Training Officers To Do Illegal Frisks
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Some lawmakers and lawyers say the NYPD may be training officers to illegally frisk people.
Attorney Norman Siegel says for police to legally frisk someone, they must suspect that person is "armed and dangerous."
But he says these words are never mentioned in police training materials.
As a result, Siegel says the controversial policy may be contributing to a large number of unconstitutional frisks.
"Reasonable suspicion of any other crime is enough to stop and question an individual but it's not enough to frisk him," Siegel said.
On the other side, Harlem Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Williams came out in support of the stop, question and frisk policy.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly is grateful for the backing.
"He's engaged," Kelly said. "He's very much concerned about the issue of public safety. So we certainly appreciate the support."
Last week, Kelly said the number of people being frisked dropped significantly in the second quarter of 2012.