 |
May
8, 2001 |
Rangel Reaches
Out To PBA
In Wake Of Diallo Decision
 Congressman
Charles Rangel says he's reaching out to the police officers'
union in the wake of the NYPD's decision not to fire the four
officers who shot Amadou Diallo.
During an appearance on NY1's "The Road To City Hall" Monday
night, Rangel said he feels many New Yorkers see police officers
as criminals. However, the congressman says he doesn't want people
to feel they can't turn to police for help.
"I'm reaching out to [Pat] Lynch, the president of the Patrolmen's
Benevolent Association," said Rangel. "I'm doing it publicly,
and I've already done it privately. And I'm going to reach out
to the Catholic Church, the Protestant churches and to the rabbis
to meet with the head of the PBA and to tell him that we don't
want this cloud over the reputation of our New York City Police
Department."
Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik decided two weeks ago to clear
the Diallo officers of any wrongdoing. After that decision, the
PBA released a statement saying Kerik had recognized that what
happened was a tragedy, but not a crime or a violation of department
guidelines. |
