Anthony Weiner: Stop-and-frisk ruling a ‘teachable moment’ for NYC

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Embattled New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner has weighed in on a major judicial ruling on the controversial NYPD stop-and-frisk policy.

U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled Monday in the case of four men who say New York City police unfairly targeted them because of their race.

“This decision sadly confirms what was profoundly obvious. When the police stop tens of thousands of citizens who have done nothing wrong – the overwhelming number being young men of color – basic civil rights are being violated. The policy of using stop and frisk as a deterrent rather than a tool for the pursuit of actual criminals has to change. I would hope that the court considers withholding judgment on the need for a federal monitor until after a new mayor and police commissioner are in place in January,” said Weiner.

The former Congressman has aggressively sought voters of color throughout the campaign and his efforts appear to have paid off somewhat. Polls show that his strongest base of support has been among African-Americans. Still, most polls put him in fourth place in the Democratic primary race,

“This is a teachable moment for our city. We must relearn the most basic of edicts of American life. We do not need to sacrifice our civil rights to live in a safe city. You can reduce crime while increasing respect,” said Weiner.