Activists Want Special Prosecutor for Police Abuse

by Arun Venugopal

NEW YORK, NY August 06, 2008 —Civil rights activists called for a crackdown on police misconduct today at rally outside police headquarters. The protest comes after a videotape surfaced showing an officer pushing a cyclist off his bike.
The video contradicts the officer's sworn statement, claiming the cyclist tried to run him down. No charges have been filed against the officer. Attorney Norman Siegel says it's time for Gov. David Paterson to create a special prosecutor's office to investigate police corruption and abuse.

SIEGEL: I've had numerous conversations with David Paterson about this issue. He supports what we're calling for. And now, David, you've got the power.

REPORTER: According to Siegel, the previous office of the state prosecutor only investigated police corruption.
Gov. Mario Cuomo closed the special prosecutors office in the early 90s. No comment yet from Paterson's office.