Mayor Adams Expresses Concerns Over NYPD’s Black Lives Matter Settlement: Balancing Public Safety and Civil Rights

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is raising concerns about the impact of a recent settlement between the NYPD and protesters stemming from the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. He argues that the agreement, which restricts certain crowd control tactics like "kettling," is hindering police response to large, potentially volatile gatherings, including recent pro-Palestinian protests.

The settlement prohibits the NYPD from using kettling, a tactic where officers surround and confine protesters within a limited area before making arrests. While praised by some as a safeguard against excessive force, the Mayor expresses worries that it leaves officers "handcuffed" in managing. . .