If NYPD officers were required to reside within the five boroughs, they'd be less prone to racist misconduct, contends Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, who is pushing a bill that would require cops to live locally. "If you live in New York City, you’re more likely to appreciate the need for racial unity and harmony in this city," the Brooklyn Democrat told reporters yesterday. His proposal comes in response to a controversial Facebook group called "No More West Indian Day Detail," which featured borderline bigoted comments by numerous users who appeared to be NYPD officers. more ›

NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly has issued a statement regarding the infamous Facebook group "No More West Indian Day Detail," which was filled with offensive comments about parade-goers, made by people who appear to be NYPD officers. And though some commenters have argued that police should be allowed to say whatever they want because of the First Amendment, New York City's top cop doesn't seem too persuaded by the old "Constitution" defense. more ›

[UPDATE with a statement from Bloomberg's spokesman below.] Mayor Bloomberg and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly have yet to comment on an offensive Facebook group that complained, in highly derogatory terms, about being assigned to police the West Indian-American Day parade. But other officials have been quick to express outrage, including but not limited to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Council Member Jumaane Williams. You can read their condemnation of the group below—right after you take the full tour of the ugly comments, which were sent to us by attorney Benjamin Moore. We should note that not all of the comments below were made by NYPD officers, and so far no NYPD officer has admitted to making one of the comments: more ›

A spokesman for the Brooklyn DA says the office will investigate NYPD officers who may be linked to a Facebook group complaining about having to work the West Indian-American Day Carnival. The group called itself "No More West Indian Day Detail," and said it was intended for "NYPD officers who are threatened by superiors and forced to be victims themselves by the violence of the West Indian Day massacre." Printed out, the messages added up to 70 pages with comments such as "Let them kill each other," which was made by someone whose name matched an NYPD officer. more ›

Sigh: On top of the news that 31 people have been shot over 48 hours—including four during a pre-West Indian Day parade party—now it seems a man opened fire at the parade itself today. According to the Post, the shooting took place "not far from where Mayor Bloomberg was marching." more ›

Three men beaten by riot cops during 2005's West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn will receive $440,000 between them. O'Neil Bonner, Andre Essor and Sylvester Craig were in the vicinity of Church Avenue in the early hours of September 5, 2005 when NYPD officers showed up after reports of gunfire in the area. The lawsuit charged that they began swinging their batons at bystanders, and injured the three men. more ›

Today is the 42nd annual West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn, celebrating the cultures of the Caribbean. The colorful parade, estimated to be the city's largest with 3 million revelers, heads down Eastern Parkway, from Utica Avenue to Flatbush Avenue, and features costume bands, masqueraders, moko jumbies (stilt walkers!), floats and many more sights. The parade started at 8 a.m. and will go until 6 p.m., so you'll have plenty of opportunity to check it out. more ›

Millions of people flocked to Eastern Parkway to celebrate the West Indian American Day Parade yesterday. This was the 40th year of the parade, which had floats, dancers, and bands interacting with the crowds. Many of the spectators wore or waved flags of native countries and enjoying delicious food. more ›

The police have arrested two men and have charged one in the murder of sanitation worker Damon Allen. Allen, who was in the news last December after catching a 4 year old from a burning building, was killed early Monday morning while leaving a party at 862 Prospect Place, Brooklyn. The police believe the shooting was random, but what's disturbing is that 50 bullets were fired during some sort of altercation. Yesterday, Mayor Bloomberg said during the West Indian American Day Parade, "Nearly one year ago, Damon Allen was the city's hero for saving the life of a little girl. Today, he lies dead. This is a very sad note to what should be a very joyous occasion. We've just got to stop this kind of violence. It is an outrage." more ›

Yesterday was the West Indian American Day Parade, and it was as festive as ever, especially with the gorgeous weather we had. Politicians were present - and who knew that Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Suozzi had lived in Trinidad and Tobago years ago? Newsday reports he sang "Tiney Winey." But most of all, it was the parade marchers, dancers, and perfomers and all the spectators that made the event exciting. The parade was so moving that one tourist from North Carolina told the Daily News, "I love it. Now I want to move here. I love the vibe that is here." more ›

If there's a city parade, you bet it's an opportunity for politicians to get out to press the flesh. And yesterday's West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn was no different, with the primary showdown over the Congressional seat being vacated by Major Owens coming up next week. As it happens, the crowd in the Wyckoff Gardens Houses weren't too happy to hear Mayor Bloomberg and candidate-City Councilman David Yassky announce that $600,000 worth of security cameras would be installed. Someone ended up throwing a frosted doughnut near the Mayor, causing his girlfriend Diana Taylor to take "cover beneath a concrete overhang," as the Times puts it. Which only made the Mayor joke, "Well, just another reason why we need cameras." Newsday reports that another man was loudly murmuring in the back of the crowd, prompting the mayor to say, "If we could have some quiet back there, sir, it would be appreciated, thank you; we can't hear." Of course, the NYPD investigated the tasty treat toss, but came to the conclusion, "Nothing was ascertained with certainty, but there is no indication it was directed at the mayor. It may have just been tossed out the window or dropped." more ›