S4470

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Mayer to amend the Executive Law and establish new police use of force protocols for handling moving vehicles, passing 54-3 on a roll call vote. The bill, known as "DJ's Law," was named after Danroy "DJ" Henry, a 20-year-old Pace University football player killed in 2010 by a Pleasantville police officer who shot through his windshield as Henry drove away from a parking lot. A 2023 Westchester County District Attorney's report concluded the death could have been prevented with better training and protocols. The legislation would require New York police departments to adopt best practices already in use by the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York City Police Department regarding officer response to moving vehicles. Sen. Mayer, in explaining her vote, characterized the measure as a fitting tribute during Gun Violence Awareness Month to Henry's family and their advocacy for improved police response protocols. Senators Griffo, Oberacker, and Salazar voted against the bill.