New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio generated a great deal
of criticism from police spokesmen and conservative commentators when he
revealed in a press conference that he had advised his half-black sons that
their race made them targets for extra NYPD police scrutiny that white youths
would not face.
Critics cited this as evidence that the mayor was hostile
to the city’s police force, noting further that the presence of race-baiter Al
Sharpton as a close advisor left no doubt.
Former mayor Rudy Giuliani has been particularly tough on
de Blasio, accusing him of perpetuating a myth that is refuted by the
multi-ethnic composition of New York City’s police force that has been focusing
on stopping crime in predominantly black neighborhoods since that is where
statistics make clear a disproportionate level of criminal activity
occurs.
I think the comments of the current mayor, however, are
sensible on one level. A black male
youth is also (statistically proven) more likely to be stopped by police than a
young white male. So, parental advice to
be prepared, and to act appropriately (be respectful and polite) to avoid a
hostile police encounter makes sense.
Yet, on another level, that message is deceptive. More broadly, anyone encountering police –
regardless of race or age – should follow that advice. Police have authority and reasonably expect
everyone to recognize it.
[I’ve told many clients (white and black) over the years
that, of course, some police officers will abuse their authority, but that
arguing with a person with a gun is rarely a good idea.]
Thus, it’s fair to note that de Blasio’s comments – if
confined to a family setting – would have been unobjectionable. But, in a press conference, the clear
inference, if not implication, was that the advice was only applicable to
blacks since other races would get a pass from the police for rude,
antagonistic conduct.
Ridiculous.
Disrespect from anyone will not be treated
sympathetically by the police. Expect a
harsh reaction.
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