Bronx Lawmaker Proposes Officers Undergo Periodic Pyschological Exams
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A state lawmaker has unveiled legislation that would require police officers to undergo a psychological evaluation every three years.
State Assemblyman Eric Stevenson of the Bronx says recent unjustified beatings and shootings point to the need to periodically reassess an officer's fitness for duty.
He held a news conference Sunday along with the parents of families of Ramarley Graham and Jateik Reed.
"If they're unfit to do the job, then we should let them go on permanent disability or find some means of compensation and let them leave the force so we don't continue to have these killings and beatings," Stevenson said.
"So we are not out to hurt any officers, we are not trying to badmouth anyone. We want to help both sides - the officers and the community," said Reed's father, Bernard Walker.
In a statement, Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch says there is no need for the legislation, noting that NYPD officers are among the best trained in the country and are rigourously screened and supervised.