NYPD takes official step to accept municipal ID card

December 22, 2014 Associated Press

Councilmember Carlos Menchaca commends the NYPD for its decision to accept the NYC ID card. Photo via council.nyc.gov

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The New York Police Department has updated its patrol guide to officially recognize the city’s upcoming municipal ID card.

Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement Friday with police Commissioner William Bratton and immigrant affairs Commissioner Nisha Agarwal.

De Blasio said the step will help prevent the arrests of New Yorkers previously unable to provide reliable proof of their identity during interactions with police.

“It’s critical for all New Yorkers who come into contact with the police department, including those who are undocumented, to be able to identify themselves and to do it in an atmosphere of safety,” de Blasio said. “This is going to play a crucial role in both preventing unnecessary arrests of New Yorkers who were previously unable to show identification and in deepening the relationship between police and community.”

Police Commissioner Bratton echoed de Blasio’s sentiments.

“This policy change will allow individuals who have a valid IDNYC to be able to receive a summons or desk appearance ticket, instead of being held for arrest processing because they are not able to be identified. It is part of our larger mission to forge public trust with the communities we serve,” Bratton said.

The cards, called NYC ID, are expected to be available in January.

They’ll be issued to anyone who can prove their identity and residence in the nation’s largest city regardless of immigration status.

“Too many New Yorkers are apprehensive to do what so many of us take for granted, such as check in at the security desk of a building, enter a hospital or report a crime,” Agarwal said. “The acceptance of this card by the NYPD and their commitment to building bridges between law enforcement and our immigrant communities will serve as a model for cities nationwide.”

City officials say immigrants, the elderly, the homeless and transgendered people could especially benefit from the ID.

“While the IDNYC is a card that will help connect all New Yorkers, the importance of this card for historically disconnected groups — immigrants, trans-identified people, domestic violence survivors, homeless info vials — cannot be underscored enough,” Brooklyn Councilmember Carlos Menchaca said.

For the first time in many cases, these groups of people will be able to interact with our local police force in a dignified way.

-Charisma L. Troiano, Esq., Brooklyn Daily Eagle, contributing