RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP ROBINSON, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION DESIGNATING PARKING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OF YONKERS AS PEACE OFFICERS.
WHEREAS, Yonkers Parking and Code Enforcement Officers (Code Enforcement) frequently encounter violations of local laws and conditions that threaten public health, safety and quality of life violations in plain view during the course of their official duties, but are not permitted under State law to take action; and
WHEREAS, under current law, these Code Enforcement lack authority to take immediate enforcement action when such violations are discovered, resulting in delayed enforcement, inefficient use of police resources and diminished compliance with the City's Code; and
WHEREAS, additionally current law restricts Code Enforcement from requesting identification or issuing violations directly to individuals, requiring that enforcement be directed solely to vehicles or property owners, despite the fact that many violations are committed by third parties over whom the property owner has no immediate control; and
WHEREAS, this limitation undermines fairness and due process by exposing property owners to penalties for acts committed by contractors, employees, or passersby, while simultaneously allowing the actual violator to evade accountability unless a police officer is dispatched; and
WHEREAS, designating Code Enforcement in the City of Yonkers as peace officers would authorize them to issue tickets at the time of the violation, which is far more practical than the police locating the violator at a later date to serve a long form information; and
WHEREAS, in addition, this designation would ensure accountability and more effective enforcement while allowing the Yonkers Police Department to focus on crime and safety while enhancing interde...
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