Updated 10/15/2012 11:26 AM
Advocates Seek Order To End NYPD "Clean Halls" Program
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A police program that critics say leads to illegal stops and frisks is coming under scrutiny at a court hearing today in Manhattan.
Civil rights advocates including the New York Civil Liberties Union are looking to get an injunction against stops of people suspected of trespassing in public areas outside Bronx apartment buildings.
The hearing is part of a class-action lawsuit challenging "Operation Clean Halls," in which police officers patrol residential buildings.
Critics want to put an end to stops in public areas like sidewalks and courtyards near "Clean Halls" buildings.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly have defended the Stop-and-Frisk tactic in the past, arguing it helps fight crime and gets guns off the street.
In a statement, the City Law Department said, "We look forward to presenting our case, which we believe will show that the plaintiffs are not entitled to a preliminary injunction that would prevent the Police Department from continuing this important public safety program."