From WhereIamGoing: Personal Stories about Stop-and-Frisk

In these stories, people share their experiences with stop and frisk, a policy that disproportionately targets black and brown bodies under the pretense of public safety.

From WhereIAmGoing.org

“Where I Am Going is a video series that peeks into the lives of people who’ve experienced NYPD’s Stop-and-Frisk policy. These short documentaries gives us a glance into the lives of ordinary New Yorkers — a teenager, a clergyman, and a police officer.

The police policy has impacted their lives and their neighborhoods. These are the stories of people who believe they can achieve many things, but are not always given the hope and empowerment they envision.”

Check out the Following 3 stories:

“The Pastor”

Video Description:

“When Reverend Samuel Cruz of Sunset Park, Brooklyn has to tell his young nephews not to wear hoodies and not to walk a certain way, it is very clear the stop-and-frisk effect on his community is a serious issue. Reverend Cruz describes this effect as a “dehumanization of young people” that damages the spirit and leaves them with a sense of hopelessness.”

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“The Police Officer”

Video Description:

“Police officer Adhyl Polanco grew up with the constant crime and shootings of Washington Heights and always dreamt of becoming one of the “good guys.” After the “1 arrest / 20 summons / 5 stop and frisks” monthly policy was mandated by the NYPD in 2009, Polanco reached a turning point in his career that compelled him to choose between his career and his morals.”

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“The High School Senior”

Video Description:

“Kasiem Walters, a high school senior in Flatbush, Brooklyn, speaks about the countless stop-and-frisk experiences he and his friends have had over the years. From waiting outside a friend’s house on the walk to school, to giving high-fives and being mistaken for selling drugs, Kasiem dreams of a time when he and his community can look around and feel like citizens of New York, not criminals.”