You Could Be in the NYPD’s Gang Database and You Might Never Know
IN BRIEF: For over a decade, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has operated the Criminal Group Database, widely known as the “gang” database, placing thousands of primarily Black and Latino New Yorkers on a secret list that describes them as members of “gangs” or street “crews” based on vague and racialized criteria. According to LDF’s own analysis of data from 2020 and 2021, Black and Latino men represent 97% of database entries while representing just 23% of New York City’s population.
Engaging in criminal activity isn’t required to be added to the database. You can be placed in the database for the most trivial reasons, including friending someone on social media or using a certain emoji. Jarringly, children as young as 11 have been added to the database.
There’s also no way to challenge your inclusion in the database or seek removal once you’re in it. In fact, unless you’re under 18, the NYPD isn’t even required to notify you that you’re in the database.
WHY IT MATTERS: There’s no evidence that this database, or the use of gang databases broadly, makes people safer. In fact, when Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, eliminated their gang databases, there was no increase in crime.
However, the use of gang databases can endanger those placed in it, who may face concerning consequences, including increased police interaction, heightened police surveillance, elevated aggression during police encounters, elevated charges, emotional trauma, and, for some, loss of housing and other opportunities.
ON THE HORIZON: On Feb.24, 2025, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), alongside other civil rights organizations, advocates, and community members, will participate in a rally calling for an end to the gang database ahead of a New York City Council hearing on Intro 798, a bill that seeks to abolish the database and prevent similar systems from taking its place.
LDF AT WORK: Along with the Legal Aid Society, LDF has hosted “FOIL Yourself” workshops to help New Yorkers confirm if they are in the database. And, along with the Center for Constitutional Rights, LDF has sued the NYPD for its failure to adequately respond to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests related to the database.
Previously, LDF has submitted public comment on database policies pursuant to the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act and has testified at the New York City Council and before the Committee on Public Safety on the NYPD’s gang takedown efforts.
POINTS OF ADVOCACY: You can find out if you’re in the database by filing a Freedom of Information Law request (FOIL) here. And, if you want to learn more or get involved in advocacy to erase the database, you can e-mail justiceiny@naacpldf.org.