Policy & Civic Health · Indicator 5
Relationship with law enforcement
What this indicator asks
What is the relationship between New York’s nightlife scene and the police? Are some communities treated differently, and how has this changed?
not scored
A total of 29% of survey respondents in New York say the police would be helpful if something went wrong. Though 67% of LGBTQIA+ respondents say the police would be unhelpful, against 38% of other respondents.
An expert said the relationship is “friendly” for clubs and “more complicated” for independent promoters who run DIY events. One participant said you could put a lot of money into a DIY event and the police shut it down. Another said Black audiences at DIY events risk over-policing.
The Office of Nightlife has worked to move the police away from raids, towards meetings with owners. An expert described the old approach:
“[The old approach was] We have a hammer, let’s hit them, let’s write them tickets, and let’s shut them down.”