SBA president alleges violation of speech right, sues NYPD, Others

The President of Ed Mullins of the New York City has sued the New York City Police Department, Police Commissioner Dermot F Shea, the civilian complaint review board, and other government officials.

The SBA president alleged that the NYDP and CCRB are violating Mullins’ right to freedom of speech under the first Amendment by attempting to intimidate and silence his advocacy for law enforcement and the SBA.

According to him, the lawsuit filed in the United States District demanded that the federal court prohibit the unconstitutional efforts by the NYDP and CCRB to retaliate against Mullins by filing disciplinary charges against him.

He added that they were “repeatedly” interrogating him about his constitutionally protected speech and threatening the suspension and termination of his status as a police officer.

“This first amendment lawsuit is not only important for the members of this SBA, it is critical that labor leaders across the country have the freedom to publicly call out and challenge government officials for policy choices and conduct without fear of retribution.

“Union leadership plays a vital role in American politics. No police department or government agency should be allowed to silence the voice of labor, or any member of the public for that matter because it disagrees with the message,” said Mullins.

He added, “Defendants’ actions are designed to suppress political speech protected by the first amendment, insulating City leaders from political criticism and unseat Mullins as the election leader of the SBA,” the complaint states.

Mullins is a national voice in support of law enforcement and a frequent critic of government officials who pursue policies or support legislation that threaten the health, safety and effectiveness of police officers. He is prominent in the national debate on police reform. He promotes changes to improve relations between the police and the community while protecting police officers and the neighborhoods they patrol.