Mayor Bloomberg has vetoed the most ambitious new oversight proposed in years for the city police department. His move sets the stage for an override showdown with lawmakers.
Bloomberg issued his long-expected veto Tuesday. He vehemently opposes the plans to create a watchdog for the department and a broader path for lawsuits claiming discriminatory policing.
The City Council passed both measures in June with enough votes for an override. But the lawsuit piece passed with just exactly the needed number, and Bloomberg has indicated he'd keep trying to persuade lawmakers to take his side.
The legislation reflects concerns about the NYPD's extensive use of the stop and frisk tactic and its widespread surveillance of Muslims. The spying was disclosed in stories by The Associated Press.
