An independent civilian monitor will be hired to keep a close eye on counter-terrorism surveillance by the New York Police Department to prevent racial profiling, reports PBS.
The agreement is part of a settlement of two lawsuits against the NYPD accusing it of targeting Muslims based on their race, ethnicity and religion. The mayor’s office will appoint the monitor who will serve a five year term.
An Associated Press investigation found the department’s anti-terrorism unit built huge files on Muslims, with undercover officers infiltrating mosques, schools and businesses frequented in the community. NYPD police commissioner Bill Bratton disbanded the unit in 2014 saying it produced no useful intelligence. Bratton said at the time that the community and police would work together to combat terrorism.
You can read reaction to the settlement on PBS.
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