The Legal Aid Society lauded the New York State Senate for passing a comprehensive Police Secrecy Law 50-A repeal bill (A10611/S08496) today along with other need police oversight measures, and urged the Legislature to transmit this legislation immediately to Governor Andrew Cuomo to enact it into law, reports Rolling Stone Magazine.

“A comprehensive repeal of Police Secrecy Law 50-A and advancement of other needed police reforms are now just one pen stroke away, and with these bills codified into law, New Yorkers will be better able to hold their police department accountable for misconduct committed in their communities,” said Tina Luongo, Attorney-in-Charge of the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society.

“Transparency is a critical first step to change the way police interact with communities in New York … We urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to enact this bill into law at once. Lastly, we must acknowledge that this moment is wholly the result of communities of color — those who have long shouldered abuse from the police — rising up and demanding change.”