The Right to Know Act went into effect on October 19. Ironically, this comes on the heels of two violent, unprovoked assaults that shook us all from complacence and brought community leaders and laypeople of conscience together to speak out against hate crimes and violence.

This misguided set of bills aims to obliterate any remaining police authority, by forcing officers, upon approaching a suspect, to offer a courteous introduction along with a business card and the option not to comply. This is so unbelievable it makes me wonder, why stop there? Maybe we should have our officers hand out flowers and chocolates as well!

From my days in the City Council, I have been, and still remain, a staunch believer that we are all safer when our police have the tools and support they need to go out there every day and protect us from terrorists, violence and crime. This constant chipping away at the authority of the police creates a dangerous impediment to proactive policing. It discourages officers from making the stops that lead to terrorists and criminals being taken off the streets before they commit their next hateful crime.

These laws encourage bold arrogance amongst criminals. Today, even petty offenders when approached for minor infractions are more likely to express self-righteous indignation than remorse or embarrassment and act out rather than comply. This makes every cop’s job harder and more dangerous and puts everyone at risk. The ability to protect a city like ours comes only with sufficient authority. Strip the authority and we all suffer.

Despite some elected officials bragging about how safe NYC is, statistics don’t tell the whole story and the facts on the ground speak for themselves. Hate crimes and quality of life crimes have increased exponentially. What began as a rise in vagrancy and petty street crimes that were easy to wave away, is now burgeoning to include vandalism, theft and violence. We must not turn a blind eye when they begin showing the inclination to downplay even brutal assaults perpetrated on innocent people in broad daylight.

The NYPD has built itself into a world-class department through years of experienced police work and constant professional development. Yet, we seem intent on villainizing cops and implementing policies that give criminals the upper hand.

I would like to help clear up some confusion. Terrorists and criminals are the enemy of a civilized society. Those who protect it – are heroes.

I, for one, feel safer when I know that those who bravely choose to dedicate their lives to protecting innocent people can do so without their hands being tied. When, exactly, will we stop coddling criminals and handcuffing the police?

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)