IN DEPTH PODCAST: NYC's new anti-gun unit hits the street

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A once-controversial police unit was resurrected this week by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

The NYPD’s Anti-Crime Unit, as it was originally referred to, was disbanded a little under two years ago. During the national racial justice protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the move was made in a conscious effort to help mend the relationship between New York’s cops and the community.

 A police officer at the NYPD 71st Precinct looks on during a protest of the police-involved shooting death of Saheed Vassell, in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, April 5, 2018 in New York City. Saheed Vassell, 34, was killed by police officers on Wednesday afternoon in Crown Heights. He was unarmed but was reportedly acting erratic and wielding a curved silver pipe that witnesses thought could have been a gun. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
A police officer at the NYPD 71st Precinct looks on during a protest of the police-involved shooting death of Saheed Vassell, in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, April 5, 2018 in New York City. Saheed Vassell, 34, was killed by police officers on Wednesday afternoon in Crown Heights. He was unarmed but was reportedly acting erratic and wielding a curved silver pipe that witnesses thought could have been a gun. Photo credit (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Prior to being disbanded, the unit had a history of harm, with numerous incidents leading to the deaths of citizens such as Amadou Dialoo and Eric Garner.

Now called Neighborhood Safety Teams, Mayor Adams insists that history will not repeat itself.

On this week’s episode of 1010 WINS In Depth Podcast, listen as host Anddy Egan-Thorpe explores that history. In conversations with a couple of local legal organizations, learn whether or not there’s a true cause for concern about this unit’s return.

Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)