Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly Says Emanuel Had to Fire Police Chief

The longest-serving police commissioner in New York City's history has much to say about terrorism, violence on city streets, and the education of law enforcement.

Former NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has authored a new book, a memoir  entitled "Vigilance: My Life Serving America and Protecting Its Empire City."  He joined WIBX First News with Keeler this morning to talk about the views expressed in it and how the world has changed since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Of the handling of the Eric Garner case and the shooting of Laquan McDonald he says the videos were difficult to watch.  He says the death of McDonald at the hands of a Chicago officer, and the shooting of Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina were murders.  "I know from my own experience that the vast majority of police officers are good people, they do a great job, they do a dangerous job every day.  But there are going to be some people who shouldn't be a carrying a gun...I think police officers should have a four-year college degree. It's not the panacea but I think...it's reasonable."

Of the firing of Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Kelly says Emanuel did what he had to do.  Nonetheless, he says, politics was a factor in the firing.  Kelly says, "Garry McCarthy worked for me...I think he is a consummate law enforcement professional...Being a police chief these days is sort of a high wire act...Political decisions are made that obviously impact on your career and your life."

Making specific mention of the shooting of Walter Scott, Kelly says, "I think that the adoption of body cameras is going to make a difference in terms of bringing back community trust."

You can listen to the full interview in Keeler Show Notes for December 2, 2015.

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