“In 2015, I understood there was a disconnect between police and people of color. I think body cameras would help build that trust.”
By Dan Murphy
The Yonkers City Council held its last meeting before summer recess on Tuesday and approved a resolution urging the City to implement body cameras for Yonkers Police officers on patrol. For City Council Majority Leader Corazon Pineda-Isaac, the vote was satisfying because five years ago, she was unable to get support for body cameras for the YPD.
“In 2105, I understood there was a disconnect between police and people of color. It’s important for the community to work together with the police and I think that body cameras would help build that trust. Everything I felt then I feel now, and it’s even more important now.
“In 2015, there was a republican majority on the council and my resolution didn’t pass. This time around the will of the council is there, and support from the community and our residents is also there. I’m excited that conversations are happening and we are getting close to making it happen,” said Majority Leader Pineda-Isaac.
Last week, Mayor Spano commented that the City is working on an agreement to bring body cameras to Yonkers. “You spoke. I listened,” said Mayor Spano. “ Since the beginning of my administration, I have advocated for body cameras. Now, because of your collective voices, we are working with the Yonkers Police Department, Yonkers Police unions, and U.S. Department of Justice, on closing in on a deal to bring body cameras to The City of Yonkers.”
Pineda-Isaac was the lead sponsor of the resolution that was co-sponsored by Council President Mike Khader, Councilwomen Shanae Williams and Tasha Diaz, and Councilmen John Rubbo, Mike Breen and Anthony Merante. The unanimous passage of Pineda-Isaac’s resolution comes after watching the tragedies of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery unfold on camera, Yonkers will soon be the first Westchester city to have police body cameras.
“As a woman of color, as the wife of a black man in America, and as the mom of black sons, I stand in support of those calling for justice for the murder of George Floyd. My sons are still very young, but I’m not looking forward to the difficult, but necessary, conversation about race in America that one day soon I’ll have to have with them. I hope this country can one day get to a place where such conversations are no longer necessary,” said Pineda-Isaac.
Another reason Yonkers didn’t get police body cameras in 2015 was that it became a negotiated item with the Police union. This time it appears that the Yonkers PBA will let it happen.
The cost of implementation is expected to be $1.7 Million to purchase 400 camera, and then $1.2 Million per year for data storage and software costs. Recently the NYS Senate and Assembly have passed bills requiring the State police to wear body cameras. Other Weestchester communities will be having the same debate soon.
