How a secretive police database affects young Black and brown men

The NYPD “gang database” is a secretive list of thousands of people the NYPD has labeled as gang members. Police officials say the list helps them stop violence. Critics say it’s another way to surveil and harass Black and Latino communities.

Radio Rookie Rainier Harris first learned about the database three years ago — and he says he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it. In this installment of Radio Rookies, Rainier explores how young people end up on this list and how it can affect their lives.