NYPD Implements Protest Response Reforms in Legal Settlement

The New York Police Department (N.Y.P.D.) has agreed to a legal settlement that will ban the controversial tactic of kettling and implement new rules for protest response. The settlement, filed in federal court, comes after the N.Y.P.D. was sued by the state attorney general, Letitia James, over alleged abuses during protests in 2020. The department will now use a tiered system of de-escalation, appoint a high-ranking executive to ensure compliance with the new rules, and establish an oversight board consisting of representatives from various agencies. The settlement aims to protect the rights of peaceful protesters while maintaining public safety.