Gotham’s “reformers” are seeking a new entitlement: the right not to be arrested.
We’re not kidding. It’s part of the recent hostility toward cops and, in particular, their successful 20-year focus on low-level, “quality-of-life” crimes (also known as “broken windows” policing).
Is there a quicker path to a lawless city?
Take the cartoon figures in Times Square. This week, they were out with signs demanding cops “stop harassing” them.
“We actually want respect from the NYPD and others,” says Jovanna Melendez, dressed as Minnie Mouse. “We have rights,” insists the Woody character from Toy Story.
The key “right” they seek, of course, is the right to accost unwitting tourists and shake them down for big tips.
After The Post ran a number of stories on the seedy behavior of some of these looney-tunes — one groped a woman, and a Spider-Man allegedly punched a cop — police began cracking down. So the costumed folks are going political, sensing New Yorkers are game for less police enforcement.
Meanwhile, there are new complaints of too many fare-beating arrests.
A rise in the number over the past few years is proof of “the failure of ‘broken windows’ policing,” says Justine Olderman, a director of Bronx Defenders, which represents people charged with turnstile fare-evasion.
Even Eric Garner, who tragically died while resisting arrest for selling untaxed cigarettes, thought the cops had no right to arrest him. “Every time you see me, you want to harass me,” he told them.
Someone needs to send a key message: Cops have rights, too. When you break the law, they get to arrest you. End of story.