By Esther Claudette Gittens | Photo Credit: rblfmr/Shutterstock.com

Since Eric Adams assumed office as the Mayor of New York City in January 2022, there has been growing concern about the resurgence of police misconduct, particularly the controversial stop-and-frisk tactics. Adams, a former police officer himself, came into office with promises to address the rising crime rates in the city, focusing heavily on restoring law and order. While his administration has been vocal about fighting crime, critics argue that this has led to an increase in illegal stop-and-frisk practices, racial profiling, and other forms of police misconduct. This analysis will examine the surge in illegal stop-and-frisk and other police misconduct during Adams’ tenure, exploring the historical context, statistical trends, policies contributing to the rise, and the socio-political implications for New Yorkers, especially communities of color.

 

Section 1: Background of Stop-and-Frisk in NYC

1.1 Historical Context

The practice of stop-and-frisk, a police tactic that allows officers to stop, question, and pat down individuals they suspect of criminal activity, has long been a contentious issue in New York City. Under Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the 1990s, the tactic became central to the city’s “broken windows” policing strategy, which aimed to reduce crime by cracking down on minor offenses. Giuliani’s successor, Michael Bloomberg, further expanded the use of stop-and-frisk, with the NYPD conducting millions of stops annually by the early 2000s.

However, the practice faced legal and public backlash due to its disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities. In 2013, a federal judge ruled in Floyd v. City of New York that the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk practices were unconstitutional, as they violated the Fourth Amendment (protection against unreasonable searches and seizures) and the Fourteenth Amendment (guaranteeing equal protection under the law). The ruling forced the city to implement reforms, which led to a significant reduction in the use of stop-and-frisk during the de Blasio administration.

1.2 Eric Adams’ Campaign and Focus on Crime Reduction

Eric Adams, a former NYPD officer and Brooklyn Borough President, ran for mayor on a platform centered on public safety and crime reduction. He promised to tackle the rise in violent crime that had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Adams’ policing experience made him a credible candidate on crime issues, it also raised concerns about a potential return to aggressive policing tactics, including stop-and-frisk.

Adams pledged that his approach would focus on “precision policing” and community-based initiatives, insisting that there would be no return to the overreliance on stop-and-frisk seen under previous administrations. However, as his tenure has progressed, reports indicate a resurgence of stop-and-frisk practices, raising questions about whether these tactics are being employed legally or are once again violating constitutional rights.

Section 2: Statistical Analysis of Stop-and-Frisk Under Eric Adams

2.1 Data on Stop-and-Frisk Incidents

A comparison of stop-and-frisk data before and after Eric Adams took office reveals a stark increase in the number of stops conducted by the NYPD. According to the NYPD’s own data, in the first six months of 2022, there were over 10,000 recorded stops, a significant jump from the same period in 2021. Reports from watchdog organizations such as the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) suggest that a large proportion of these stops are concentrated in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by Black and Latino residents.

• Pre-Adams Era (2019-2021): Under Mayor de Blasio, the NYPD conducted fewer than 12,000 stop-and-frisk incidents in the entirety of 2021.
• Adams Era (2022-Present): In 2022, stop-and-frisk surged, with approximately 30,000 stops by year’s end.

2.2 Racial Disparities

Despite Mayor Adams’ claims of fair policing, the racial disparity in stop-and-frisk incidents remains alarming. Data indicates that Black and Latino individuals comprise the overwhelming majority of those stopped, with 90% of all recorded stops involving people from these communities. This racial skew has led to accusations of racial profiling, a practice that is not only socially damaging but also legally questionable under constitutional law.

A closer look at neighborhoods such as the Bronx, Harlem, and parts of Brooklyn shows that residents in these areas are disproportionately targeted for stops. These neighborhoods also have higher rates of poverty and unemployment, exacerbating the economic and psychological toll on residents.

 

Section 3: The Return of Aggressive Policing Tactics

3.1 Shift in NYPD Policing Tactics

With Adams in office, there has been a noticeable shift towards more aggressive policing tactics. This includes not only the resurgence of stop-and-frisk but also a spike in “quality-of-life” arrests, targeting minor infractions such as fare evasion, loitering, and public intoxication. Critics argue that these tactics echo the broken windows approach that disproportionately impacts low-income communities of color.

Mayor Adams has revived specialized NYPD units, including the controversial anti-crime units, which were previously disbanded in response to criticisms of excessive force and misconduct. These units have been involved in several high-profile incidents of police brutality, raising concerns about a broader pattern of misconduct.

3.2 High-Profile Cases of Police Misconduct

Several incidents since Adams took office have drawn public attention to police misconduct. In early 2023, a video of NYPD officers violently arresting a young Black man in Harlem for allegedly trespassing went viral, sparking outrage across the city. The officers involved were from one of the newly reinstated anti-crime units. This and other similar incidents have raised questions about whether the NYPD under Adams is reverting to the kinds of abusive practices that led to mass protests during the Bloomberg administration.

Reports from advocacy organizations, such as the NYCLU and Communities United for Police Reform (CPR), have documented an increase in complaints of police brutality and racial profiling since Adams took office. The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), which investigates allegations of police misconduct, has also noted a rise in complaints involving excessive force, illegal searches, and discriminatory policing.

 

Section 4: Policy Decisions Contributing to Increased Police Misconduct

4.1 Reintroduction of Anti-Crime Units

One of the first policy decisions Adams made was to reintroduce the NYPD’s anti-crime units, which had been disbanded by Mayor de Blasio following repeated allegations of misconduct. These units, responsible for undercover operations and street-level crime prevention, have a long history of using aggressive and often unlawful tactics. The reintroduction of these units, without sufficient oversight or reform, has contributed to the rise in stop-and-frisk incidents and other forms of misconduct.

4.2 Increased Surveillance and Monitoring

Adams has also expanded the NYPD’s surveillance capabilities, including the use of facial recognition technology and expanded monitoring of public spaces. While intended to deter crime, these technologies raise serious civil liberties concerns, particularly when used to disproportionately target communities of color. There have been multiple reports of NYPD officers using surveillance tools to conduct stop-and-frisk operations without sufficient cause, effectively sidestepping the legal restrictions imposed by the 2013 federal ruling.

4.3 Lack of Accountability Mechanisms

Despite promises to hold the NYPD accountable for misconduct, critics argue that the Adams administration has failed to implement meaningful reforms. The Civilian Complaint Review Board remains underfunded and understaffed, limiting its ability to investigate cases of police abuse. Furthermore, officers found guilty of misconduct are rarely subjected to disciplinary action, which undermines public trust in the city’s ability to address police abuse.

Section 5: Socio-Political Implications of Police Misconduct Under Adams

5.1 Impact on Communities of Color

The resurgence of stop-and-frisk and aggressive policing tactics under Adams has had a profound impact on communities of color, particularly Black and Latino residents. The psychological toll of being constantly targeted by the police can lead to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and distrust in law enforcement. This mistrust is compounded by the fact that many of those subjected to stop-and-frisk have committed no crime, yet are treated as suspects based solely on their race or the neighborhood they live in.

In addition to the emotional toll, there are also economic consequences. Many individuals stopped by the police are young men who may face legal fees, court appearances, and potential job loss as a result of arrests for minor infractions or false accusations. This cycle of criminalization exacerbates poverty and inequality in these communities.

5.2 Erosion of Public Trust

The increase in police misconduct has led to a growing erosion of public trust in both the NYPD and the Adams administration. While Mayor Adams continues to defend the need for robust policing in the face of rising crime rates, his administration’s failure to address concerns about racial profiling and police brutality has alienated many New Yorkers, particularly in marginalized communities.

Protests against police brutality have resurfaced, with advocates demanding not only an end to stop-and-frisk but also broader reforms to the NYPD. The Adams administration’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with these demands has deepened the divide between the city government and its constituents.

Section 6: Legal and Constitutional Concerns

6.1 Violations of Constitutional Rights

The resurgence of stop-and-frisk under Adams raises significant legal and constitutional concerns. The 2013 Floyd ruling made it clear that the practice, as it was being conducted, violated the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. Despite this, the increase in stop-and-frisk incidents since 2022 suggests that the NYPD may once again be engaging in practices that violate citizens’ constitutional rights.

Lawyers and civil rights advocates have raised alarms about the potential for a new wave of lawsuits against the city. If the courts find that the NYPD is indeed conducting stops without reasonable suspicion or engaging in racial profiling, the city could face substantial legal and financial repercussions.

6.2 Lack of Judicial Oversight

Another major concern is the lack of judicial oversight regarding the NYPD’s renewed use of stop-and-frisk. While the 2013 ruling imposed court-ordered reforms on the department, there is little evidence to suggest that these reforms are being adequately enforced under the Adams administration. Without robust oversight, there is a risk that the NYPD could continue to engage in unlawful practices with impunity.

Section 7: Advocacy and Public Response

7.1 Grassroots Movements

In response to the increase in police misconduct, grassroots organizations such as Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) have ramped up their advocacy efforts. These groups have been organizing protests, filing lawsuits, and lobbying for legislative reforms aimed at curbing police abuse. Their efforts have gained significant traction, particularly among younger New Yorkers who view the Adams administration’s policing policies as a step backward.

7.2 Political Reactions

Elected officials, including members of the City Council, have expressed concern about the increase in stop-and-frisk and police misconduct. Some have called for hearings to investigate the NYPD’s practices under Adams, while others have proposed legislation to strengthen oversight of the department. The political response to these issues will be critical in determining the future of policing in New York City.

 

Section 8: Future Outlook

8.1 Potential for Reform

While the current trajectory of stop-and-frisk under Mayor Adams is concerning, there remains potential for reform. Advocacy groups are pushing for stronger oversight mechanisms, such as empowering the CCRB and expanding the role of independent monitors in overseeing the NYPD. Additionally, the courts may once again play a critical role in curbing illegal police practices if civil rights lawsuits gain traction.

8.2 The Role of Public Pressure

Public pressure will be a crucial factor in determining the future of stop-and-frisk in New York City. If protests and advocacy efforts continue to grow, the Adams administration may be forced to reconsider its approach to policing. Additionally, the outcome of upcoming elections could shift the balance of power in the city, potentially leading to new leadership that prioritizes police reform.

Conclusion

The dramatic increase in illegal stop-and-frisk and other forms of police misconduct since Eric Adams became mayor has raised serious concerns about the future of policing in New York City. Despite promises of reform and precision policing, the data suggests that Adams’ policies have led to a resurgence of practices that disproportionately target communities of color and violate constitutional rights. While public pressure and advocacy efforts offer hope for reform, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Addressing these issues will require not only political will but also sustained efforts from both the legal system and grassroots movements.

 

This analysis examines the complex dynamics surrounding police misconduct in NYC since Eric Adams took office, drawing attention to the legal, social, and political ramifications of these practices.

Section 9: Comparative Analysis with Previous Mayoral Administrations

9.1 Bloomberg Administration: Peak of Stop-and-Frisk

To fully understand the significance of the current surge in stop-and-frisk incidents, it’s essential to compare Mayor Adams’ tenure with previous administrations, particularly that of Michael Bloomberg. Under Bloomberg (2002-2013), stop-and-frisk reached its zenith. In 2011, over 685,000 stops were recorded, with over 87% involving Black or Latino individuals. These statistics caused outrage, leading to widespread protests and eventually the Floyd v. City of New York ruling in 2013. Bloomberg defended the practice as a necessary tool for crime reduction, although data suggested that less than 12% of stops led to arrests or summonses.

The legal challenges and social outcry during Bloomberg’s tenure, however, set the stage for reforms under his successor, Bill de Blasio. De Blasio ran on a platform that promised to end the overuse of stop-and-frisk, and indeed, his administration saw a dramatic reduction in stops, with figures falling to below 20,000 annually by 2021. However, the de Blasio administration also faced challenges in maintaining a balance between reducing police abuses and addressing rising crime rates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

9.2 De Blasio Administration: The Decline of Stop-and-Frisk

During Bill de Blasio’s time as mayor, there was a significant shift in policing strategy. The administration placed a stronger emphasis on community policing, de-escalation techniques, and reducing the NYPD’s reliance on practices that had disproportionately impacted communities of color. By 2020, stop-and-frisk incidents had dropped by over 95% compared to the peak under Bloomberg.

However, critics argue that de Blasio’s reluctance to fully embrace robust policing measures during the pandemic led to spikes in certain types of crime, such as gun violence. This increase in crime was a focal point during the 2021 mayoral campaign, with candidates like Adams advocating for a return to more aggressive crime-fighting tactics.

9.3 Eric Adams’ Administration: Return to Tough-on-Crime Policies

The Adams administration’s focus on public safety, crime deterrence, and aggressive policing has drawn parallels to the Bloomberg era, albeit without the massive scale of stop-and-frisk. While stop-and-frisk has not reached the levels seen in the early 2010s, the sharp increase compared to de Blasio’s tenure is significant.

One major difference between Adams and Bloomberg is their approach to public relations around policing. Adams, as a former police officer and a Black man, has emphasized that his policies are intended to protect Black and Latino communities from violence, a claim that has resonated with some constituents. Nevertheless, the increase in racial profiling allegations suggests that his approach may be repeating the same mistakes seen under Bloomberg, despite Adams’ assertions that his policies focus on “precision policing” rather than mass stops.

Section 10: Long-Term Consequences of Increased Police Misconduct

10.1 Psychological Impact on Communities

The resurgence of stop-and-frisk and police misconduct under Adams has far-reaching psychological consequences for the communities affected. Studies have shown that individuals who are subjected to repeated police stops experience heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and a diminished sense of safety. For young men of color, particularly those in neighborhoods with high stop-and-frisk rates, this constant surveillance creates a hostile environment where they feel targeted simply for existing in their communities.

Moreover, these encounters often erode the relationship between law enforcement and the public, leading to a deep distrust in the criminal justice system. In neighborhoods that already face high levels of poverty, unemployment, and violence, this mistrust further isolates residents from the institutions meant to protect them.

10.2 Criminalization and Its Economic Consequences

A direct consequence of increased police stops is the criminalization of minor offenses, particularly in communities of color. Many individuals stopped by the police end up being arrested for minor infractions, such as fare evasion or marijuana possession, which have disproportionately affected poor and working-class individuals. These minor arrests often have long-lasting effects, including:

• Job Loss: Arrest records, even for minor offenses, can prevent individuals from gaining employment or result in the loss of existing jobs.
• Legal and Financial Burden: Court appearances, fines, and potential jail time impose financial burdens on those already struggling economically.
• Cycle of Poverty: The economic impact of frequent police stops and arrests exacerbates existing inequalities, making it harder for individuals to escape poverty.

These economic consequences not only affect individuals but also weaken the broader community by reinforcing cycles of poverty, unemployment, and criminalization.

Conclusion: The Need for Comprehensive Reform

The dramatic increase in illegal stop-and-frisk and other forms of police misconduct since Eric Adams became mayor of New York City highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between public safety, policing, and civil liberties. While Adams’ focus on combating crime has resonated with certain segments of the population, particularly amid rising concerns about violent crime, the methods employed have raised serious questions about racial profiling, constitutional rights, and the long-term impact on marginalized communities.

If the current trajectory continues, New York City risks repeating the mistakes of the past, when aggressive policing tactics disproportionately targeted communities of color, eroding public trust and leading to widespread legal challenges. Moving forward, the Adams administration must balance its commitment to public safety with the need for police accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights.

Comprehensive reform is essential to addressing the underlying causes of police misconduct. This includes strengthening oversight mechanisms, such as the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and investing in community-based initiatives that promote public safety without resorting to aggressive policing tactics. Furthermore, continued advocacy from grassroots organizations, coupled with judicial oversight, will be crucial in ensuring that the rights of all New Yorkers are protected, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

The future of policing in New York City depends not only on the policies enacted by the Adams administration but also on the continued pressure from civil rights groups, elected officials, and the public to demand fair and just policing practices. Only through sustained efforts can the city avoid a return to the destructive patterns of the past and move towards a more equitable and just future for all its residents.

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