NEW YORK — New York City lawmakers hope to vote as soon as this month on creating an inspector general for police and making it easier to sue over the technique known as stop and frisk.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's office outlined plans Monday for rarely used steps to bring them to the floor, though she opposes the lawsuit measure. Councilmen Brad Lander and Jumaane (jhewe-MAH'-nee) Williams plan to start the process this week.
Backers say the initiatives would provide needed oversight and protect people against racially biased stops. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other opponents say the measures would hamstring policing.
The proposals have been on hold in the Council's Public Safety Committee. Chairman Peter Vallone staunchly opposes the lawsuit provision.
The proposals reflect concern about stop and frisk and the NYPD's widespread surveillance of Muslims, as revealed in a series of stories by The Associated Press.
