Statement by the Assembly Member
#EnoughisEnough. The inexplicable use of excessive force against Deborah Danner is a
reminder that training must be dramatically changed and persons must be
fired not placed on modified duty.
This instance was a clear failure by that Sergeant to handle the situation properly. NYPD Commissioner O’Neil stated, “We do have policies and procedures for handling emotionally disturbed people and it looks like some of those procedures weren’t followed.”
Unfortunately, this is a narrative we see too often, which is why we need a thorough examination of officer training and the rules around use of force and excessive force, especially the rules around lethal force. Whether it is being slammed against a gate or losing your life despite being mentally ill, there does not seem to be a de-escalation approach being taken but rather a use force first and get asked questions later.
If we are ever going to see justice in this case, we need to have a full investigation of the facts, and, the officer involved must be held accountable for his actions. For a greater chance of transparency, I hope that Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will investigate this matter fully because again #EnoughisEnough.
I am still processing last week's tragic loss of Mrs. Venida Browder, the loving mother of Kalief. After all that her son and family have been through, her heart literally couldn't take the pain any longer and she succumbed to a heart attack. I pray that we stand with the family who needs our love, thoughts and prayers yet again. My team is in constant contact with the family so that they know that anything they need, we are here for them. Let us honor Kalief and Venida's legacies by finally Raising The Age next year so that more lives are not lost due to a system that inexplicably treats 16 and 17 year old youth as adults. Thoughts and prayers are welcome, but legislative action and honorable service are what is truly required to honor their lives.
Source: The Office of Assemblyman Michael Blake
This instance was a clear failure by that Sergeant to handle the situation properly. NYPD Commissioner O’Neil stated, “We do have policies and procedures for handling emotionally disturbed people and it looks like some of those procedures weren’t followed.”
Unfortunately, this is a narrative we see too often, which is why we need a thorough examination of officer training and the rules around use of force and excessive force, especially the rules around lethal force. Whether it is being slammed against a gate or losing your life despite being mentally ill, there does not seem to be a de-escalation approach being taken but rather a use force first and get asked questions later.
If we are ever going to see justice in this case, we need to have a full investigation of the facts, and, the officer involved must be held accountable for his actions. For a greater chance of transparency, I hope that Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will investigate this matter fully because again #EnoughisEnough.
Assemblyman Blake's Statement on the Passing of Venida Browder
I am still processing last week's tragic loss of Mrs. Venida Browder, the loving mother of Kalief. After all that her son and family have been through, her heart literally couldn't take the pain any longer and she succumbed to a heart attack. I pray that we stand with the family who needs our love, thoughts and prayers yet again. My team is in constant contact with the family so that they know that anything they need, we are here for them. Let us honor Kalief and Venida's legacies by finally Raising The Age next year so that more lives are not lost due to a system that inexplicably treats 16 and 17 year old youth as adults. Thoughts and prayers are welcome, but legislative action and honorable service are what is truly required to honor their lives.
Source: The Office of Assemblyman Michael Blake
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