Amnesty International is highlighting a local case of excessive force and transphobia on the part of NYPD officers.
To read the full story
Here’s my draft of the letter, to make it easier:
July 19, 2004
Dear *,
I’m writing you today about the events of November 16, 2003, involving the NYPD and a group called Critical Resistance.
Amnesty International reports that on said evening, undercover cops tried to force their way into a Critical Resistance meeting. After the initial incident, NYPD officers used excessive force on the members of Critical Resistance, including beating members. Also, transphobic statements (those expressing fear or hatred of transgendered people) were made by one of the officers. This is unacceptable behavior.
I am calling for the immediate and full investigation of these incidents, and for that investigation and its results to be made public. The officers in question need to be held accountable not only for their excessive force, but also for their transphobic behavior and statements. Greater training is needed for all NYPD officers about homosexual and trans identities. These groups get enough harassment on a regular basis from an ignorant general population, and the last thing they need is harassment on the part of the law.
Thank you,
(your name here)
Send to:
Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly
Police Headquarters
1 Police Plaza
New York, NY 10038
Phone: (646) 610-5000
FAX: (646) 610 5865
E-mail: www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailnypd.html
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 1007
Phone: (212) 639-9675
FAX: (212) 788-2460
Email: www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html
Officer Deputy Inspector James O’Connell
77th Precinct – NYPD
127 Utica Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Phone: (718) 735-0611
FAX: (718) 363-0760