New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has authorized local prosecutors to start investigations when police kill unarmed civilians but prohibits them from giving immunity to any witnesses.
Schneiderman, appointed state special investigator and prosecutor in police killings, also prohibits the 62 county district attorneys from eliciting related testimony before grand juries. That typically provides immunity from prosecution.
They also cannot make plea or cooperation agreements with suspects.
The attorney general was given the new authority by Gov. Andrew Cuomo following recent killings of civilians by police who weren't indicted.
Cuomo says there's a perceived conflict of interest for county district attorneys prosecuting police they work with.
Schneiderman says he's responding to local prosecutors' concerns about the crucial investigation time right after an incident.
Five of his staff will pursue any cases.
© 2015 AP
