(Arrests at Stop and Frisk protest today in Harlem (@Newyorkist/Twitpic)

(Arrests at Stop and Frisk protest today in Harlem ( @Newyorkist/Twitpic

Last night, the Occupy Wall Street general assembly approved joining a protest planned by other groups in Harlem against the "stop and frisk" policy of the New York City Police Department. The number of New Yorkers who have been subjected to police stops due to stop and frisk has risen sharply in recent years, with African-Americans and Latinos being the overwhelming targets.

There ended up being at least thirty arrests at the action. Local news report:

Protesters were out calling for an end to the NYPD’s “stop and frisk” strategy in Harlem Friday afternoon. About 100 people marched to the 28th precinct police station from the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building. Joined by members of Occupy Wall Street, the demonstrators held signs that read “NYPD Protects and Serves the Rich” and “Cease, Desist: Stop and Frisk.” About two dozen people intentionally blocked the entrance to the precinct to purposely get arrested for disorderly conduct as part of their protest, 1010 WINS Al Jones reported.

As the protesters were being arrested, some chanted "stop 'Stop and Frisk' is the beginning of Occupy Harlem!"

With nearly 2,000 Occupy-related arrests taking place over the past month, this action may seem relatively small. However, in that Occupy Wall Street took part in an action organized by local activists on an issue which disproportionately impacts communities of color, it may prove to be an important step in broadening the new movement.