Bills To Curb NYPD Head To Full Council

The City Council voted Monday to bring two bills aimed at increasing oversight of the NYPD to a full floor vote later this week. The "motion to discharge" is a rare procedural move that allows a bill sponsor along with other Council members to bypass the committee process.

One bill would create an inspector general to review NYPD policies. Another would expand the current ban on racial profiling and allow those who feel they were wrongly stopped to sue the city.

Mayor Bloomberg was joined by a phalanx of law enforcement officials who spoke out against the bills. Opponents warned of wasted NYPD resources and a possible increase in crime. NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly even invoked the threat of future terror attacks.

"Take heart al Qaeda wannabe's because the City Council has found a way to undermine our partners," warned Kelly.

Council members who back the measures accused opponents of "fear-mongering."

The motions to discharge passed the Council 41-8; two members were absent. 

The bills will go for a full floor vote Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.