La Fuente, A Tri-State Worker & Community Fund, Inc.

September 15, 2014

William Bratton
Commissioner
New York City Police Department
1 Police Plaza
New York, NY 10038

Dear Commissioner Bratton,

Recently there has been a very public discussion revolving around the rights of the
Times Square performers. Many of the performers view themselves as artists that
want to have their basic rights respected by both visitors and the New York City
Police Department.

While everyone can agree that meeting the pressures of maintaining public safety
in New York is a challenge unlike any other, it is unconscionable to think that any
city office would use their standing and stature to openly stigmatize and scapegoat
a whole category of people based upon the actions of a minority. This is not only
irresponsible it is borderline reckless. Just as it would be unfair to judge NYPD as
a whole based on the poor decisions of a few, so too should be the standard when
engaging in any type of dialogue concerning the performers.

On behalf of New York City Artist United for a Smile, we would like to request a
meeting to discuss both the performers and your concerns at your earliest
convenience. Hopefully, engaging in an open dialogue, a solution can be found
that both honors civil liberties and addresses the needs of public safety.

Private industry has money and resources to protect its interest, average citizens
depend on the NYPD to protect their rights and safety. In light of recent events
there is growing concern regarding the police acting as an arm of private interest
and not fulfilling their sworn obligation to protect and serve the public as a whole
regardless of socioeconomic status or standing.

New York is a diverse city and in the early defining phase of a new progressive
era. This is an excellent opportunity for your office to demonstrate that it
understands the importance of respecting civil liberties and constitutional rights on
this globally watched issue.

Respectfully,

Lucia Gomez
La Fuente Executive Director

cc: Susan Herman, Deputy Commisioner, Collaborative Policing
Dennis De Quatro, Inspector, Commanding Officer, Midtown Precinct South
Paul Spano, Detective, Community Affairs, NYPD, Midtown Precinct South

25 West 18
th
Street, 5
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Floor
New York, NY 10011
T: 212-388-3698
F: 212-388-3951
www.lafuenteinc.org