Louima Settlement Does Not Provide Needed Police Reform

NEW YORK – On Thursday, July 12, 2001, New York City and the Police Union settled the three-year-old civil case with Haitian-born Abner Louima. The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) believes that the agreement did not impose the much needed reforms of the New York Police Department that Mr. Louima had sought.

The settlement provides a total award of $8.75 million that will be paid by The City of New York and the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the police union. Mr. Louima stated that positive steps, including the conviction of the officers who tortured him, have been taken, but these changes are not result of the settlement agreement.

Justin Volpe, the officer who tortured Mr. Louima, thought he could have escaped punishment for assaulting Mr. Louima because he is a Haitian. But the Haitian community, with the help of many civil rights organizations, spoke loudly by holding protests across the city. We urge the Haitian community to continue advocating against police misconduct and to hold authorities accountable for police misdeeds. We also call on Mr. Louima’s lawyers to follow suit and support specifically Haitian groups that have been working to improve relations between the City and the community and empower Haitians.

Community advocates must continue to pursue police reform measures in the New York Police Department.  It is essential that the 48-hour rule be abolished in order to permit immediate investigations of police misconduct.  NCHR also supports an independent Civilian Complaint Review Board to prevent any political interference with its work.  NCHR is in favor of promoting a diverse police force that represents the diversity of New York residents.  

Most Haitians believe they are stopped by the police primarily because they are black and that language and culture play a role on their mistreatment by the police, according to an NCHR study of police and community relations to be released shortly.

The National Coalition for Haitian Rights is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to promote and protect the rights of Haitians in Haiti and in the United States.