Knifing proves frisk is needed
By STATE SEN. MALCOLM SMITH
Last Updated: 3:08 AM, July 5, 2012
Posted: 1:57 AM, July 5, 2012
The stabbing of MTA Police Officer John Barnett is a tragedy that could have been prevented with the proper application of stop-and-frisk.
Clearly, the NYPD didn’t have an opportunity yesterday morning to stop Edgar Owens, the emotionally disturbed ex-criminal who stabbed Barnett in the eye.
But had a police officer encountered him and applied the controversial — yet undoubtedly effective — policy, he or she would have found the knife and taken this dangerous person off of our streets.
As fate would have it, that never happened.
Instead, the family of Barnett, a war hero, is now praying for his recovery on the anniversary of our nation’s birth.
It’s ironic that if Owens’ knife had been confiscated through stop-and-frisk — and the violence averted — many would be questioning the wisdom of the policy rather than rejoicing in one less dangerous weapon on our streets.
I truly understand the concerns for civil liberties and the fear that the NYPD unfairly targets minority communities.
A few weeks ago, I was pulled over in my Chevy Suburban coming off the Grand Central Parkway in Queens with my daughter and wife.
I wasn’t speeding, but my first instinct was apprehension.
I couldn’t help but wonder, is this a driving-while-black incident?
It wasn’t.
They’d pulled me over because the tinting on my car’s windows was darker than the legal limit, which aroused their suspicions.
As a public official, I’m allowed to have darker windows for safety reasons.
Despite not knowing I was a state senator, the officers treated me with courtesy and respect.
No one likes to be stopped for any reason, but this incident confirmed my belief that stop-and-frisk has a place in crime prevention.
I left the encounter certain that the officers were working hard to keep the community safe.
That’s what stop-and-frisk can do, providing it is applied with respect and courtesy.
I also think it should be used in all parts of the city, because crime often occurs where you least expect it.
We all want New York City safe, which is why our prayers are with Officer Barnett.
State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith represents the 14th District in Queens.