To All Delegates and Members

   March 24, 2000

Summary of Delegates Meeting
March 14, 2000

Correspondence reported by Robert W. Zink, Recording Secretary

PRESIDENT’S REPORT      

PBA President Patrick Lynch began the meeting by thanking all Board Officers and Delegates for their support and hard work with respect to the trial involving the four street crime officers. Mr. Lynch further stated that the Albany jury delivered a fair verdict based on the evidence presented to them. Mr. Lynch also thanked the Albany Police and Sheriff’s Department for their professionalism during the trial.

President Patrick Lynch, Financial Secretary John Giangrasso and Attorney Steve Worth met with Eric Holder of the Justice Department in Washington. Eric Holder was presented with a legal brief, which indicated that there were no legal grounds for civil rights violations with respect to the Diallo case. Mr. Lynch further argued against Federal intervention with Mr. Holder. Mr. Lynch was assured that the case would be reviewed in a timely fashion.

70th Precinct Case: Mr. Lynch stated that a terrible tragedy had been perpetrated by the prosecution in convicting three innocent police officers. Mr. Lynch further stated that the case would be appealed on several grounds, which he proceeded to identify.

Civil Suit – The PBA is preparing a defense with respect to a civil suit filed on behalf of Abner Louima against the NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

Contract issues: The PBA has filed a formal letter to the City requesting to begin contract negotiations. The PBA is also meeting with the Uniformed Coalition, along with the Municipal Labor Committee, to unite as a major power in the next round of contract negotiations. The PBA’s Executive Board has also met with Former Deputy Chairman to PERB, John Crotty – to better educate our members on PERB procedures.

Health Services Division: The PBA is aggressively seeking sanctions against one physician from Health Services who overstepped his authority. The PBA claims, among other things, that this physician violated his responsibilities as a practicing physician under New York State law.

CCRB Issues: The PBA is still gathering questionnaires with respect to civilian complaints. This information is vital in pursuing the Federal Civil Rights lawsuit against CCRB.

The PBA has filed a civilian complaint against Inspector Gilmartin for his alleged role in what is known as a “PERP Walk” against NYC Police Officers. The PBA is also considering challenging DCPI in the release of photos of wrongfully accused police officers.

LEGAL ISSUES: Report of Stu London

Mr. London stated that he would appeal the verdict recently delivered in the Louima conspiracy trial. Mr. London stated that he has put together a legal defense team to overturn the wrongful convictions of former Police Officers Schwarz, Weise, and Bruder.

Mr. London stated that he would be conducting seminars for delegates to inform them about how to conduct themselves during investigations of police officers.

Mr. London stated that members requesting information as to the whereabouts of former Police Officer Francis Livoti are to contact him at the law office.

REPORT OF GREG LONGWORTH

Mr. Longworth began by thanking the Bronx Trustees for the information regarding physicians in Health Services. Mr. Longworth also stated that the Department has started a new trend of allowing unsubstantiated complaints to be sent back to the officer’s command to receive a command discipline.

REPORT OF STEVE WORTH

Mr. Worth stated that he submitted a legal brief in Washington, which proved that there  were no legal justifications to support civil rights charges in the Diallo case.

GO-15 Notifications:

1. All members must notify attorneys when involved in a GO-15 investigation.
2. If a member has a GO-15 investigation cancelled they also should notify attorneys.

DETECTIVE SPECIALIST

In an unprecedented tactic, the PBA moved in New York State Supreme Court to challenge the entire concept of Specialist Shields being doled out like candy in an effort by the Department to use the added compensation as “merit pay.”  Breaking new ground, the Supreme Court agreed with the PBA and enjoined the Department from using Specialist Shields as a means to violate the Board of Collective Bargaining’s ruling that merit pay be negotiated with the PBA.  This historic ruling by the Supreme Court has forced the City to the bargaining table on the issue of merit pay.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The PBA is now beginning a Public Relations Campaign to promote NYC Police Officers in a positive light via commercials, subway advertisements billboards, etc..

The PBA has established a Tip Line 212-298-5280, to report newsworthy police stories.

POLICE RALLY

PBA President Patrick Lynch plans on calling a Police Rally to show support for the excellent work performed by police officers on a daily basis.

MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN

The Widows’ & Children’s Fund will soon become an option for officers to contribute to.    

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Steve Nostramo on behalf of MSTF donation of $1,120.00 to the Chuck Schwarz Fund.                                   

Fraternally,

Patrick J. Lynch
President