My mother always told me there are THREE sides to every story...his, hers and the truth. I always feel like that is the case when there a police-involved shootings and a civilian winds up dead. We will never know the truth about what happened in Ramarley Graham's home. But we do know he's no longer here, and that he was, in fact, unarmed. That outcome alone should be reason enough to reassess, and perhaps, alter NYPD training programs to fit the communities in which officers are serving.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly announced today a supervising sergeant and an officer who shot and killed an unarmed drug suspect in the Bronx yesterday have been placed on restricted duty. The 30-year-old officer, who has yet to be identified, shot 18-year-old Ramarley Graham inside his apartment following a chase that started on White Plains Road.

Police originally said the officer and Graham were involved in a struggle before the shooting, but Commissioner Kelly said that was not the case. Kelly added a radio transmission indicated officers thought Graham might be armed. Marijuana was found in the home, but no weapon was recovered.

This is the third time in a week police officers fatally shot a suspect. And on Tuesday night, a career criminal allegedly shot Officer Kevin Brennan in the head at the Bushwick Houses in Brooklyn. Mayor Bloomberg said today, "My job is to protect the public and cops." What do you say?

How would you describe community relations right now with the NYPD? How concerned are you about the recent spate of police-involved shootings? What questions do you want answered in the shooting death of Ramarley Graham?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

I was hoping that this would be a topic, thank you! How many people have to die at the hands of the NYPD? What is going on with this out of control force?!? How much will the city have to pay this young man's family to settle yet ANOTHER wrongful death civil suit? I'm sorry to say this but more people are going to arm themselves to protect themselves FROM the NYPD!

Peace, it's not such a bad idea!
Nick, Hell's K.

It's all too sad, that a parent suffered the loss of a child under such horrific circumstances; and traumatizing for other family members who may have witnessed the shooting inside their home. There's a serious social issue with the NYPD in minority neighborhoods. I think more in depth training is needed concerning community relations. Most of these officers aren't from NYC, and inner city is some what foreign to them. This is happening all too often, the third time in a week officers fatally shoot a suspect. This' outrageous and troubling, I think enough is not being done to prevent these occurrences. Ray Kelly and Mayor Bloomberg need to be more proactive, and not wait until these incidents arise.

KF

This really sounds like one of those cases where an over zealous officer turned a situation deadly for no practical reason. That area of the Bronx is known for drug activity and I am sure that will be the reasoning behind why this shooting happened. But if this was just some stupid kid who was in possession of a non-distribution weight of Marijuana, then it is time law enforcement really rethink it's priorities. Unless this young man was some kingpin who was selling and handling major weight then this whole thing just amounts to an execution, hell even if he was a major dealer it does not seem like deadly force was warranted.

One has to ask why would a police officer chase anyone into a home, especially if he thought it was a drug dealer. With the near fatal shooting of another officer in Brooklyn one would think that police would operate with more caution at this point. Unfortunately in the heat of the moment an 18 year-old is dead over what might have just been a dime bag of weed. And if this man had a gun, or there were other assailants in the house then you might have been reporting that another officer was shot. There are two many cowboys on both sides of the equation out there at this point, and this is the end result.

Message to young Black and Hispanic men, stay off the streets and try to avoid ANY interaction with the NYPD. If you are out there doing wrong you know you are in the cross-hairs, even if you are not you are considered public enemy number one. And no matter what happens if approached by the police, DON'T RUN ! That is how you get shot in the back and hopefully they find a weapon or some reason to justify it. Like the old saying goes, "It's better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6".

RL-The Bronx

Cops are getting more and more out of control. When a civilian shoots a cop, an arrest follows. When a cop brutalizes or shoots a civilian, at worst the cop gets desk duty. Cops should get twice the punishment civilians get for committing the same crime. Maybe that will reduce the number of cops going rogue beating up and shooting innocent-until-proven-guilty civilians.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

I'm sick of both of them and it seems to me that they are grand standing. The boroughs have been like the OK CORRAL and it has been going on and on forever. NOW THIS MAYOR SAYS THAT IT'S HIS PROBLEM TO PROTECT US THE PUBLIC AND THE COPS. YOU COULD HAVE FOOLED ME. HE IS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD AND IS IN EVERY BODIES BUSINESS EXCEPT OURS. BOTH OF THEM NO LONGER ARE ABLE TO FOOL US AND WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF BOTH OF THEM. I NOTICE WHEN ANYTHING CONCERNS EITHER ONE OF THEM OR THEIR FAMILIES IT DOESN'T STAY ON THE FRONT PAGE FOR LONG. NOW WE HAVE A BLOW BY BLOW DESCRIPTION OF THIS LATEST. INCIDENT YET WE DON'T KNOW THE FULL STORY OF kELLY'S INCIDENT OR HIS SON'S FOR THAT MATTER..

maxxiee
mp

i think its absolutely vital that we have a real conversation about the wild west cops in the city. The cops who are supposedly trained to be new york city's finest continuously prove there the most deadliest and uncontrolled gang in town. Truly I'm sick of living under these "protectors of justice" who would just as easily shoot me as if taking pictures on a Disney vacation. It saddens me that my fellow brothers would kills themselves, but putting cops in any situation is like pouring oil on an conflagration. Ramarley Graham who could've lived that day now finds himself dead in ice cold blood, cops need to realize that killing us, me, doesn't constitute any form of justice.

DJ

When was the last time a cop busted down the door of a white boy ( they smoke pot too! ) & shot them dead??? And this cop is on restricted duty?? That is criminal. Possession of pot is a ticket NOT even a misdemeanor! And THEN grilled the grandma for SEVEN HOURS!! Protect and serve? No shoot first,ask questions after they are dead. I'm white & my Dad was a cop and this would make him throw up!!!!!!!

Theresa

It's a double edged sword. We in communities of color need to show the same out rage when one of our fellow community members robs, kills, and, or otherwise disfigures another one. We cannot be outraged, vocal, and cry victim only when the killing is done by a Police Officer. Young men (AA and Latino) in particular need to exercise a bit of common sense when interacting with the Police, and not encourage them to chase us down like wild animals exacerbating an already potentially volatile situation. I am no Police expert, or executive, but better quality community relations training needs to be considered, taken seriously, and administered annually. The city should also consider making it a priority to hire officers who live within the five boroughs. In my opinion, they have more of a vested interest in the city than those from the burbs, and are able to better relate to, serve, protect, and communicate with the citizens of this large and very diverse city. I don't want to monday morning quarter back, J was not there. But if this 18y.o. was killed over a few dime bags then that officer needs to be held accountable because a lil marijuana, and miscommunication between officers should not result in the death of a civilian who as far as we know now never put any of their lives in imminent danger.

Jamaal

Not only police officers should live in the five boroughs but all public civil servants working for and in NYC, eg sanitation, fire, City Hall, teachers, secretaries, janitors, accountants, Post Office, home security, air controllers, etc...

Andrew,
Sunnyside
LIC, Queens

I would like to express my opinion on this particular situation.

There is something terribly wrong with our judicial system. People have prejudices people have fears, people have hates. These things cloud our ability to reason. We also have compassion, love, mercy. But what makes it so difficult for the judicial system is that the people put their to protect and serve they get so desensitized, that they loose their ability to reason.

Nykush

Its Sad... I have friends that have 18 to 19 year old kids Going to College... There like nerds .Never in trouble what so ever...The only thing they probably ever did wrong, was stay up past there bed time, playing X-box game's. And there Being arrested for just being in the wrong neighborhood, Or living in the wrong neighborhood.... My friends daughter was being Harassed by police when she walks home everyday. Because shes pretty. Her Parents had to go to the Precinct to put a stop to it..Another kid arrested for having a pencil in his pocket...Police said it could be used as a weapon. Are you kidding me ! Again these kids are never in trouble ! Another kid for not having Id.. There Trying to get them young by putting them in the system... Sad !!! And whats more sad people don't even care, or they ignore it ...But what makes it sadder....It will effect them one day..Whether they know it or not ? it effects us all.. .... its destroying America from the inside out...Lots of police mostly under covers are robbing drug dealers. and getting high with there product that they have just taken from somebody. Then there driving around with loaded guns armed to the teeth. Chasing people that's how lots of these shootings happen. I can go on and on but i don't know if any one is actually going to read this .

krazeeowl

New Yorks Aggressive Policy for Selling SMALL Amounts of Marijuana Has EVOuaLED into a Multi-Million Dollar Prosecution Policy......Regulate It, Tax It,Grow it within the State it is sold in....State Control is the only way to De-Criminalize Marijuana...AND Eliminate the Criminal Aspect. Until the Federal Govt...RECLASSiefs Marijuana NY Will Always Pays for this benign Product

DMD in Wash. Hgts.

i understand that police officers have a big responsibility on their hands and i think that this is where the problems begin...over zealous cops looking to get higher in rank @ the expense of our kids...losing a life for a bag of weed is just ludicrous...

kelvin from dyckman

police nowadays are trained to give tickets, eg. Parking. Whats that about? They are rampant and are constantly getting away w. Murder. They are prejudiced and closed minded. People want to do the right thing and are afraid of gettimg in trouble ,people are getting better at policing themselves

Elegant Interiors

This is a complete tragedy. This young man lost his life over a little weed. The police should not be policing from vehicles. They should be walking the beat, and get to know the area they are working in. If they need a car for transportation they can call for one. This idea of riding around in a car looking for trouble is wrong, and a waist of money on gas.. Community policing is the only solution.

Sam from Chelsea

I think that the nypd should train harder to try NOT to kill people for no reason,you don't kill someone because you THINK they have a gun.

Miguel

remember the criminals no what the police have so police officers who give chase to protect us should not assume they have a weapon they should wait and get killed ask the mother who lost there son or daughter to drugs what they would do to the dealer who sold it to them the police are the most courage and with out them many more teen ages would die from these dope dealers

Thomas

The problem is too many people question the cops. If you have a problem with the police don't call them.

leslie

There should be one universal rule! A Police officer shouts police freeze, suspect should stop if he doesn't stop and a shot is fired it is to be expected period. In these neighborhoods its shoot or be shot kill or be killed. These cops are seasoned to these harsh atmospheres day in and day out. Marijuana is illegal, Holding a gun without a permit is illegal . Do these people think they are above the law? no one wether you are black white yellow orange purple red should be above the law that we have fought to have in place for decades. Common law should be if you run from a police officer there is a chance you may be shot so don't run period. If there is nothing to hide you shouldn't be running from the police anyway. I'm just fed up with the situation If the Officer doesn't shoot he gets shot if he shoots he gets blasted by everyone including media the police maintain the law p[period obey the law or leave the state if you think your above the law.

Big Q

Amadou Diallo, Patrick Dorismond, Eleanor Bumpurs, Alberta Spruill, etc. The list goes on and on. It's not the color of the police officer; it's the mentality and sense of entitlement.

Chandra, Bronx

The relationship varies depending on the community. Everyone is ignoring the most important factor here and that is Disparate Minority Contact (DMC) issues! The caller from Kew Gardens has a great relationship with the police but the callers from Washington Heights have mixed reviews. This needs to be put under a microscope! The young man was at risk of being arrested for having marijuana in his community but Bill Maher, an ADAMANT supporter of marijuana legalization and a self admitted user of the substance, runs no risk of being stopped and frisked for marijuana possession in whichever community within which he resides.

Rob Queens

I live where this incident happened I personally know ramarley he is like my brother the police in this community especially the 47 precinct takes advantage of the fact they have a badge They harass us for just being outside

Tischawa

CAN ANYONE TELL ME THE LAST TIME A WHITE UNARMED PERSON WAS SHOT DEAD BY A POLICE OFFICER.

CARLA

what you would hear is a huge disconnect between neighborhoods. really i can't live without wondering if this cop would stop me, it's like living in fear and that fear have unlimited power.

Vere, Harlem

Most police don't come from our communities so when they come in they have no respect. Give a coward a gun he will abuse

Anonymous

I am a 69 year old white woman. For my entire life I have seen white police kill black men. They go unpunished, though no amount of punishment can bring back a life. We are as racist a society now as we were in 1943, the year I was born.

Davida

A bigger issue should be address...the issue of being arrested for weed...that was his reason for running...no one wants to go thru the system for a little bag of weed...he (the victim) knew that he was unarmed..its the fear of being arrested

Sean

It is incredibly interesting that neighbors, family and friends of Remarley Graham say he wasn't a bad child. He was such a good boy, etc. But why was he running from the police when they asked him not to? If he's such a good boy, he won't get in any trouble with cops. He allegedly was flushing marijuana down the toilet. Marijuana possession is illegal.

My condolences go out to the Graham family and I pray Remarley will rest in peace.

Ricardo

i have a pending lawsuit against the nypd for a wrongful marijuana arrest on nov 22 2011/the nypd is out of control...our neighbors are being killed over the laws at bay...

eric

I agree with Bloomberg when he said "My job is to protect the public and cops"

Ruthann

This was a senseless tragedy! This boy was only 18 years old and the only crime that he committed was having marijuana in his possession. This is when budget cuts look great on paper but not in reality. These cops are doing double shifts to make up for a decrease in police officers. They are sleep-deprived, over-zealous, hyper and paranoid over their own being shot at resulting in serious consequences. How hard is it to see if there is a gun in a persons' possession in an enclosed area such as a bathroom?

The campaign against unnecessary gun violence should be applicable to the NYPD.

Lisa - Upper East Side

i want to say that the "shoot first ask questions later" policy is nothing new, its become a joke in the community, commissioner kelly is delusional and lives in his own world. i have family members that are police officers and even corrections yet even they admit that there are officers that have the mindset that ill shoot before getting shot ... wheres the training in the academy?? if they are scared of getting shot, becoming an officer is NOT the job for you

Erik from bushwick

There have always been bad shootings by the police and there always will be. But someday soon, police are just gonna all quit and then what?

MZ QUEENS

The guns' industry protected under the tired sing-song of the "right to bear arms (muskets)" intended for self-defense against hostile natives in the Thirteen Colonies should be banned because they are simply creating the demand for the illegal possession of guns. Less guns on the streets will keep the police more at ease and less likely to shoot indiscriminately.

Rafael
Bushwick

i think these cops need more training. and get more long jail term when they kill unarmed innocent citizen.

Paul from Jamaica

whats the protacall...during a chase should the cop have stopped and waited for a supervisor or back up...

acutabove

The problem is the NYPD won't admit there error in allowing a three year officer in a unit such as that one. They use the rookies to do things a veteran would not. A veteran would not have gone in that house they would of waited for additional officers. Change must come.

JR

It appears that if you happen to be the incorrect color you are automatically suspected of being a criminal. Is NYPD so poorly trained that they keep killing and killing and killing? Who is next?

Bill
Manhattan

For me It's a NO-BRAINIER. Mainstream media has always portrayed African Americans who are the primary victims of police brutality and murders in a negative and inferior light. Even our commander and Chief is often maligned in the media. The media controls the mind and some officers have been programmed via media to view this segment of the population they have sworn to protect and serve as inhuman. This is due to subliminal as well as innate racial bias resulting from media depictions mainly showing people of color as gang bangers, pimps, prostitutes, drug users-or sellers, pathetic criminals. Regrettably numerous Black males are shot down like animals without just provocation and very rarely are there consequences as police officers are seldom found guilty no matter the evidence proving otherwise.

Joyce
Springfield Gardens

It's all too sad, that a parent suffered the loss of a child under such horrific circumstances; and traumatizing for other family members who may have witnessed the shooting inside their home. There's a serious social issue with the NYPD in minority neighborhoods. I think more in depth training is needed concerning community relations. Most of these officers aren't from NYC, and inner city is some what foreign to them. This is happening all too often, the third time in a week officers fatally shoot a suspect.

This' outrageous and troubling, I think enough is not being done to prevent these occurrences. Ray Kelly and Mayor Bloomberg need to be more proactive, and not wait until these incidents arise.

Kevin, Pelham The Bronx

NYPD officers shot a kid for assuming he had a gun, guess no one is safe walking down the street. Not only do we have worry about the criminals on the street, but also the police as well? I think its time for people of NYC to start looking at the 2nd amendment for their own protection. Minorities for far to long have done everything they can to get so called " illegal" guns of the street to no end. Wake up Blacks and Hispanics next time someone will get killed for wearing their pants funny.

A tragic mistake BUT, if you are involved with drugs and guns, you just may find yourself in such a predicament. If you break the law, you risk such a fate. Don't take chances.

Joe, Forest Hills

Regardless of ANYTHING anyone has to say ...THEY BROKE INTO HIS HOUSE ....POINT BLANK PERIOD. even if he did make any type of drug transaction OUTSIDE .. they BROKE in and killed him.. you mean to tell me he had no gun and struggled with 4 cops in a small bathroom and they HAD to shoot him? Thanks Mayor Bloomberg you have now brought back an early 90's style fear in police that almost crippled new york in the worst way

Steven

The nypd needs to have an independent over site run by the federal govt. I know it is a tough job but they are acting like they are an independent group that does not have to answer to anyone. There seems to be no real consequences for them when these things happen at the most he will lose his job and go on with his life even though he took the life of someone else!!!

Trevor
Manhattan

John, washington heights- police brutality victim. I think it should mandatory fed investigation into all allegations of misconduct, the blue wall of silence extends beyond the walls.

As more and more of your viewers see the disturbing video of NYPD breaking into a kids home and murdering him, while his six year old brother is in the room, everyone should now realize it is time for nazi Ray Kelly and his date raping son to get out of town. Bloomberg needs to fire Kelly.

Robert

My name is shamel I am 38 years old. Sunday January 8th,2012 I was driving my uncle's car with my son 18, in the backseat an my cousin 30yrs. In the front we were stoped on the grand concourse at around 5pm for tinted windows the officer asked for my license I gave it to him he look at it an said get out the car I have a clean license no points he said I'm going to search your vehicle they pulled us out the car searched us found a pocket knife in my sons coat pocket which is legal in va. where he lives he's only in ny cause he goes to college in manhattan they locked all three of us up an took us to the precinct they detained us from 3 hours an than released an gave my son a court date . They treated us like criminals in which none of us has a criminal record I am currently pursing civil action against the nypd gang ..

I feel your pain. You want to get back at or help the police? You want to protect yourself, your family and the community? Why don’t you try to get down on your knees and pray to God? Even if the police force were entirely Black and Hispanic, there would still be abuse of power. The problem is more complicated then having all cops live in the city and receive more professional training, or being more aggressive on crime because a cop was just shoot behind the ear by a teen gang member (revenge?). HisStory says that the days are evil and generations will wax worse. This is just a walk in the park compared to how people will be treated by the authorities in the near future based on HisStory. The only complete long-term solution is to draw near to God.

Anonymous

we have been trying to improve relations with the police.We cannot impro ve relationships if the police terroize the community.Shooting should not be the first option.Officers need more training. Our communiyy is sfraid of the police ...this does not make for good community. We need to reassess how officers are trained

Anonymous

The police are mean and bias.the commissioner and mayor covers up...its always a low income..hood or a black person there quick to pull the trigger on.why they don't aim for a arm or a leg so when they relize their wrong atleast the won't take a innocence life...nyc. is racist city its in there laws....they change the way for the gay community.but not on the harsh treatment from the hood.what about the cops selling the guns it was only the 8..where did all these guns come from.

Lisa

Shoot first who cares about questions! -nypd.

Brian. Rego park.

So, essentially this poor guy winds up dead running away because he was afraid of being arrested for smoking or carrying weed?!? Ok...this stupid law against marijuana needs to be done in...period.

Anonymous

Horrible we need to take some of this police power away. The community must take back the streets and control what happens. Community policing needs to be the same cop walking the same beat every day take away the car and have more foot patrols. No more stop and search. Weed is what all these leaders did in the 70's.

Ray

These cops are on the street and are scared...they don't have the heart to do the job they've sworn to do. So to combat that fear, they shoot to kill...what can NYPD do to stop cops from killing our people? What type of training will stop these human cops from acting on instinct, which is all they truly know? How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones? It seems hopeless.

gii

Why is the news not looking at the real type of kid he was?? Why is the fact that there is a picture of ramarley on his MySpace page with a gun in his hand and in his "interest" section his FIRST interest is GUNS!! He also has a comment that he doesnt fight "he'd rather shoot" so tell me has anyone found it odd that cops say prior to him entering the house they saw a gun.... Oddly enough on a guy with a gun fascination! Then they enter a house to a guy that was "trying to flush drugs" yet he was coming out of the back of the apartment to end up in the bathroom... I don't know about you but if I had cops chasing me .... Well only idiots run... First mistake .... But I would be going immediately to the bathroom if I was running to flush it! Maybe he had to get rid of something that couldn't be flushed .... Like a gun... Before he went into the bathroom!!! So point is.... Although he might not have had a gun on him when he didn't show his hands when asked to ...after running from police for " a little weed" yea right..he chose his own fate! Any NORMAL person would fear for their life with someone who ran as he did! Amen to those cops! If he didn't run and refuse to raise his hands he would be alive in central booking right now! People need to be given all of the facts and Ramarleys facts of life are all over his MySpace page!!!

Jen

I am a 45 yr old black male from queens and my humble opinion regarding this subject is I think that it is time for the black community to hold themselves accountable and start taking responsibility for our broken down family structure and toxic community which lacks positive role models. The community no longer have positive male father figures therefore, our youth idolize negative role models such as hiphop artists and gang members which depict the stereotype of worthless men with pants sagging, disrespecting women, etc. Women are forced to take on the responsibility of trying to raise the "young black male" which has dramatic effects. These dramatic effects lead to not knowing what our kids are doing which gives them too much freedom leading to negative behaviors. Many of them end up dropping out of school. The new career goal of these kids is to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and become gang members and drug dealers. Black people must start doing the math. School are being closed to build a bigger jail community for our black youth. This is the REHABILITATION OF TODAYS' BLACK MALE.

I dont understand why people make such a huge deal when a police officer kills a drug dealer! We have more black on black crime that no-stop but we never focus on this issue in our community as a whole. It is a dangerous PINK ELEPHANT in the room that noone seems to want to speak about. It never goes away. I honestly do not blame the cops because there are to many guns in the black community, they must protect themselves as well. The black community (along with many police officers) support local drug dealers and gang members which continously brings down the neighborhood. Why should I support any parent who knows their child is a local drug dealer/gang member which supports and contribute to a failing community. Why Cry Now? The drug dealer has watched so many lives fall in his hands through drugs and violence. Take this as a wake up call. Or, the black community is too far gone to every wake up. Speak about the PINK ELEPHANT in the room and address the real issues in our community. CRIME...DRUGS...GANGS.....CRIME...DRUGS...GANGS!

Its 11:14 do you know where your kids are? Ask that same question to the black mothers who know their kids are out on the street selling drugs, but yet always seem to cover up that fact when they get hurt, injured are murdered. REMEMBER, your not innocent when you sell drugs and DESTROY LIVES!!!!! Innocence is gone as soon as that dollar is exchanged. The police are not responsible for providing recreational activitiies and distilling positive attitudes in our children......WE ARE.

Doug

Woodside:

After reading some of the previous comments on this topic I realize how many ignorant people there are out there. I don't think the police are out of control. I do think the criminals in this city are once again playing the race card to justify their criminal lifestyle. Why did Graham run? He probably had more than one bag of weed and was able to throw it away. I think there was either a struggle for the cops gun or it was on this perp's person then it was hidden by someone in the apt. Last time I checked marijuana was illegal in NYS. Guess the fact that a cop was shot the other night and could have died doesn't matter to anyone of these bloggers. This perp was a low level drug dealer who was selling to people in his neighborhood but that doesn't bother anyone. And once again you need to be reminded most of the victims of crime are minorities. You are all too intimidated to admit this and do something about it. Its easier to blame the NYPD and /or white people.

Fedup in Queens