The Justice Department opens an investigation into officers parking on sidewalks in Brooklyn

The U.S. Department of Justice is cracking down on police officers parking on Brooklyn sidewalks.

The department wrote a letter to the NYPD last month warning that they could be sued if the issue continues, as it is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It creates a barrier for me because I can’t get onto the sidewalk and possibly not be able to get into the building,” said Dustin Jones, a disability rights activist. “In most cases I have to go against oncoming traffic and that’s not something you want to really do with all these people on e-bikes, regular bikes and cars coming towards you.”

Jones’ experience has been felt in all parts of the city for some time. The issue was brought to the DOJ’s attention by the Southern District of New York (SDNY). They opened an investigation into the NYPD’s practices, claiming that 91% of all precincts in the five boroughs have made the city’s pedestrian network not “easily accessible and usable by persons with disabilities.”

“In some cases you have a situation where the sidewalk is narrow or there is construction,” Jones said. “Because everyone is moving around, it creates a barrier for anyone with a disability or someone with a stroller.”

According to the DOJ, the NYPD is fully cooperating with this investigation. News 12 reached out to police to find out how they plan to address these concerns.