Second-Largest Law Enforcement Union Promotes NYPD Anti-Gun Push

New York, October 12, 2010—Norman Seabrook, President of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, the second-largest law enforcement union in New York City, announced today that beginning at 4:00 pm tomorrow, Wednesday, October 13, 2010, The Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association will be distributing its widely recognized Save a Life posters in local neighborhoods throughout the city. The poster distribution will commence at 4:00 PM at the very locations where gun violence has taken the life of an innocent New Yorker.

COBA initially began an advertising campaign nearly a month ago to promote the NYPD’s Operation Gun Stop program, which offers $1,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone caught with an illegal handgun.

“We live in communities where these kids are pulling out guns and shooting each other,” said COBA President Norman Seabrook. “We have a responsibility to make sure our members and their families are safe.”

The campaign started on September 16, 2010 with ads in Guardian Chronicle, The Amsterdam News, Harlem News, The Village Voice, El Diario/La Prensa, Beacon News, The African- American Observer and other newspapers. COBA also broadcasted a provocative advertisement across ten radio stations including 1010 WINS. The union is paying for the advertising costs.

President Seabrook noted that many COBA members who live in communities of color have personal experience with gun violence. Pace University student Max Moreno, 21, who was killed during an apparent robbery attempt at his apartment near the Manhattan campus, was the son of a Correction Officer, he said. Another officer was shot in the chest and wounded as she watched her sons play basketball in Brooklyn, he said.