The History of Racialized Policing in New York City

• In Event: The Legacy of Racialized Policing Policy and Practices within the New York Police Department

Abstract

Established in 1845, the NYPD is one of the oldest police departments in the United States. Over the years, the NYPD has experienced growing pains magnified by its reputation for using brutal force in citizen interactions. The intersections between race and police brutality were, and apparently still are a major issue of concern to New Yorkers. Reflecting this concern, in 2021, the NYS Governor mandated that the New York City Police Department (NYPD), along with police departments across the state, develop a community reform and reconciliation plan. A foundation for this work is establishing the history of police-community relations with an emphasis on their racial dynamics. This study investigates the history of conflict between the NYPD and African Americans and other communities of color. We hypothesize that existing racialized policing policies are entrenched within strained relationships with minority groups since the inception of NYPD. Using archival records, we identify and explain the historical structures that created racialized policing practices in the NYPD. We also discuss how our findings contribute to the overall effort to improve police- minority civilian relationships in New York City.

Authors

• Dan Stageman, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

• Frank Pezzella, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

• Valli Rajah, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY

• Joel Capellan, Rowan University

• Arlana Henry, Rutgers University

• Rachael Arietti, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY