NYPD reportedly illegally questioning protesters about their political views

Several protesters arrested in New York City while engaged in #BlackLivesMatter activism following the death of Eric Garner allege that the NYPD interrogated them at length about their political beliefs and affiliations.

This sort of questioning is specifically prohibited since a New York district court determined in Handschu v. Special Services Division (1985) that only the Intelligence Division of the NYPD could investigate someone's political activities — and then only if "specific information has been received by the Police Department that a person or group engaged in political activity is engaged in, about to engage in, or has threatened to engage in conduct which constitutes a crime."

The alleged interrogations would not be the first time the NYPD has violated the Handschu rules, and civil liberties advocates argue that they inhibit free speech. "When the police investigate political affiliations and political activities, that poses a serious threat to First Amendment rights," said Christopher Dunn of the New York Civil Liberties Union. "The NYPD should stop this immediately."

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