NY official: Stop-frisk bill could bankrupt city

The bill would make it easier for people to sue the NYPD

By Michael Gartland
The New York Post

Lawsuits against the NYPD could cost the city more than $1 billion annually if a bill against the department's stop-and-frisk policy continues to sail through the City Council, according to one lawmaker.

"This is the most dangerous and irresponsible bill ever to be considered by the City Council," said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., chair of the Public Safety Committee. "It would bankrupt the city."

The bill, sponsored bv Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane Williams, would make it easier for people to sue the city, the NYPD and cops over claims of improperly being stopped and frisked.

The city already spends millions in legal fees for lawsuits against the Police Department. In 2009 alone, it paid $117 million in taxpayer money to settle suits against cops.

And Vallone said his $1 billion projection is probably selling the bill short.

"That's a very conservative estimate," he said.

Vallone's committee is expected to hold a public hearing next month on the bill, which has broad support among council members.

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