New York State Senate Plans Hearings on Police Safety

Lawmakers in New York state say they will hold public hearings on the safety of police officers following the deadly shooting of two New York City officers

The state Senate’s Republican leaders announced the hearings Monday. Starting next month, the meetings will focus on the risks facing officers as well as their training and equipment. Lawmakers also expect to review police disability and death benefits, the effectiveness of community policing and the penalties for assaulting or threatening an officer.

Lawmakers are expected to consider several proposals prompted by the shooting – as well as the decision by a grand jury not to indict an officer for the death of Eric Garner.

They include bulletproof glass for police cars, better police training and changes in how police misconduct cases are handled.