Meghna Philip, Director of the Special Litigation Unit in The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice, recently joined The Brian Lehrer Show to discuss a rash of recent deaths in New York Police Department (NYPD) custody.

Legal Aid has demanded an immediate investigation into the series of deaths, including client Christopher Nieves. Mr. Nieves, 46, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting food. While awaiting arraignment in Criminal Court, he was visibly in medical distress. Both Mr. Nieves and his attorney urgently requested that NYPD officers take him to a hospital. Despite these pleas, he was never transported for medical care. He died in custody hours later.

Philip outlined Legal Aid’s demands for an investigation not only into the deaths, but also an inquiry into why the NYPD is arresting people for low-level offenses, which should result in tickets.

“This is a crisis, this is people dying in custody, many of whom are being held on low-level non-violent charges,” Philip explained. “Our primary demand is that the NYPD give people medical attention when they need it.”

Public defenders will unveil a ten-point plan to address the growing crisis of deaths in custody at a rally on Monday.

Listen to the full segment below.