Dismantling Discrimination in the Stairways and Halls of NYCHA Using Local, State, and National Civil Rights Statutes

Abstract

This Note explores various national and New York civil rights statutes that may be used to combat abusive police tactics in New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) buildings.  This Note begins by providing a backdrop on how NYCHA buildings are policed in New York City and a description on how vertical patrols are conducted in NYCHA buildings.  Additionally, this Note will trace the origin of police presence in NYCHA buildings.  In the course of providing an overview of policing in NYCHA buildings, the Note will examine some of the legal challenges that have been made to challenge vertical patrols and aggressive police tactics in New York City.  Ultimately, this Note will propose that in challenging the New York Police Department’s (“NYPD”) vertical patrols and policing in NYCHA buildings, residents should look to § 3617 of the Fair Housing Act and New York State and City Human Rights Laws.