MPAC-NYC Demands Explanation & Investigation into Surveillance

NYPD Branched into Newark, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

February 24, 2012


MPAC-NYC was shocked to learn that the New York Police Department conducted extensive surveillance on religious institutions and places of business in Newark, NJ, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. 

Based on documents, labeled “Demographic Reports” released Wednesday by the Associated Press, MPAC-NYC is calling for an investigation by Newark, Nassau County and Suffolk County officials into NYPD surveillance practices.  

SEE: “NYPD Built Secret Files on Long Island, NJ Mosques” (Long Island Press)

The three reports detail how the NYPD targeted more than 30 mosques and more than 120 places of business, along with community centers and schools. While the businesses targeted in the report were primarily Muslim-owned, they also included Hindu-owned Indian restaurants and hair salons operated by members the Persian Jewish community.

ALSO SEE: Newark, NJ, Demographic Report, Nassau County Demographic Report, Suffolk County Demographic Report

All of the surveillance occurred outside of New York City limits, and thus, was outside the jurisdiction of the NYPD.  The Demographic Report for Newark, NJ, states that locations could be included solely based on the ethnicity of individuals who frequent a location.  At no point in the reports is any terrorist activity or connection to violent extremism identified. 

“As a resident of Nassau County these reports are highly disturbing,” said Zach Ibrahim, MPAC-NYC board member. “Not only did the NYPD conduct surveillance without probable cause, they did so outside of their jurisdiction. Where's the oversight?”

Newark Mayor Cory Booker has said that he did not know the NYPD was conducting surveillance in his community, and he has promised an investigation into the matter.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone need to step forward and inform the public of their knowledge, as the community is tremendously concerned.

In addition to the troubling questions about the legality and oversight of the surveillance, the reports demonstrate the ineffectiveness the NYPD’s approach.  In one report, routine activities of Muslim Americans lives, such as selling halal meat, are in bold type, suggesting they are cause for suspicion. There are also mistakes regarding information that is common knowledge in the local Muslim community.

Given these concerns, MPAC-NYC demands the following:

  • Mangano and Bellone must follow Booker’s lead and investigate the legality, constitutionality and oversight of NYPD surveillance in their respective counties.
  • The NYPD must end the practice of surveillance based on religion and ethnicity, both inside and outside city limits.
  • Local law enforcement that is accountable to local elected officials must take the lead in countering violent extremism.  Such action must be conducted in accordance with the constitution and the highest standard of police professionalism.

MPAC-NYC is calling on all of its coalition partners and allies to stand up against this unconstitutional racial and religious profiling and to also demand an investigation.  The best path for law enforcement to ensure security is to work openly with communities to fight crime together.




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