The Village Voice: NYPD Clean Halls Program Faces Legal Challenge

Later this morning, civil liberties advocates will announce a new challenge to the controversial NYPD program of patrolling the hallways of thousands of privately-owned buildings.

Private owners enroll in the program, known as Operation Clean Halls, which has swelled in Manhattan alone to at least 3,895 buildings. The program envisioned as a way for police to deter crime on private property has been the target of complaints about civil rights violations and false arrests for trespassing.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, Bronx Defenders, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF are backing the effort. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the NYCLU offices at 125 Broad Street.

By Graham Rayman

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