Lawmaker: Police sting is misguided

NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- New York City officials say the police department is creating crime by leaving purses full of money in public places and arresting those who pick them up.

In fact, they say, many of those caught by Operation Lucky Bag may be Good Samaritans who intended to return the bag to its owner, The New York Daily News reported.

State Assemblywoman Grace Meng, a Democrat who represents the Flushing neighborhood in Queens, has even introduced a bill that would outlaw the sting.

She said it discourages conduct that should be encouraged, including the policy of "See something, say something" that tries to turn citizens into the eyes and ears of police.

Norman Siegel, a lawyer, told the News those who pick up the bag have not even broken the law because in New York anyone who finds lost property has 10 days to turn it in or return it. He urges anyone arrested to sue the police department.

"The program is unjust and should be discontinued," he said.