In a latest development in the heated battle between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council, a former high-ranking NYPD official has come forward to support a police reporting bill. Dr. Tracie Keesee, the former deputy commissioner of training for the NYPD and co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity, has joined forces with 10 other former law enforcement officials from across the country to endorse the How Many Stops Act (HMSA).

The HMSA mandates that police officers report all investigatory stops and provide demographic data. It aims to address the city's history of unconstitutional stops that predominantly target Black and Latino men. The bill has been a subject of contention between Mayor Adams and the Council, culminating in the mayor recently vetoing the legislation, citing concerns about the burden it would place on officers.

In a letter penned to the Council, expected to be released on Monday, the former law enforcement officials express their disappointment with Mayor Adams' veto. They emphasize that it undermines the crucial trust-building endeavors between the police and the communities they serve. Dr. Tracie Keesee's endorsement, being the highest-ranking former NYPD official to support the reporting mandate, carries significant weight.

During her tenure as deputy commissioner, Dr. Keesee was tasked with improving relations between the community and the NYPD. She also served as the first-ever deputy commissioner of equity and inclusion. Her involvement in the letter underscores her commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within law enforcement.

The mayor's office has reiterated its concerns that the bill may compromise public safety, urging councilmembers to support the veto. The administration argues that transparency in government can be achieved without compromising public safety or justice. However, sponsors of the bill, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Speaker Adrienne Adams, counter the mayor's claims, stating that the necessary information can be easily recorded on the smartphones that officers already use.

Even though former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton has sided with Mayor Adams, calling the bill "foolish," the Council is expected to override the mayor's veto on Tuesday. The battle over this legislation has consumed City Hall, sparking a tense and often contentious exchange between the mayor and the Council.

The fight for the legislation gained further attention after City Councilmember Yusef Salaam was recently pulled over by police for allegedly having a car with illegally tinted windows. This incident only added fuel to the already intense debate surrounding the bill.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, the NYPD has been actively lobbying against the bill, releasing a controversial video showing how the rules would impact officers. In an effort to provide Councilmembers with insight into the investigatory process, Mayor Adams and police officers hosted a ride-along over the weekend for nine councilmembers.

Former NYPD officer Edwin Raymond, who made headlines as a whistleblower last year, believes that the Council's legislation would add minimal additional work for officers. However, he acknowledges that many current officers may not fully understand the requirements and implications of the bill.

As the Council prepares to override the mayor's veto, the future of the How Many Stops Act hangs in the balance. The battle between Mayor Adams and the City Council highlights the deep divisions surrounding police reform and accountability, with the Council seeking greater transparency and the mayor emphasizing concerns around public safety.