NYPD Officers Call for Anti-Doxxing Legislation

New York Police Department (NYPD) officers recently gathered at New York City Hall to advocate for legislation aimed at protecting law enforcement from doxxing and related harassment. The proposed law intends to safeguard officers’ personal information and addresses, thereby enhancing safety for both the officers and their families.

Risks Faced by Officers

Scott Munro, President of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, emphasized the risks associated with personal data leaks. He pointed out that having their addresses publicly available impacts officers and their loved ones. The proposed bill, inspired by Florida’s “Halo” law, suggests implementing a 15-foot buffer zone to prevent harassment.

We are at an inflection point. This job is harder than ever before, said Louis Civello, president of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, reflecting on the increased challenges faced in recent years.

Incidents Highlighting the Need for Protection

Civello recounted an experience involving a protester he had previously arrested. The protester tracked him to his residence, aiming to intimidate him by showing up with a billboard truck. Civello noted that such incidents of doxxing are not rare, and families of law enforcement officers often suffer harassment.

The laws are woefully inadequate, and they’re gonna get worse if we don’t work to fix them.

He stressed the necessity of new laws, pointing out the lack of legal measures to protect officers from having their addresses shared online or being approached at their homes.

Why don’t have an anti-doxxing law? Why don’t we have laws that make sense? Civello questioned, reiterating the urgent need for legislative reforms.

Support for New Protections

Munro discussed the broader support for the initiative, mentioning that the New York State Public Safety Alliance, which comprises 99 unions, backs these protections. Unions for firefighters, transit workers, and other public employees are also involved, highlighting the widespread concern about increasing assaults.

Munro noted, Assaults are up, almost 2,500 felony assaults and other attacks on public servants in New York City this year. This statistic underscores the pressing need for legal measures to ensure safety.