NEW YORK, NY – The federal judge overseeing reforms to the NYPD’s stop and frisk program affirmed Thursday the “important perspective” of police unions in the overhaul.

Manhattan Federal Judge Analisa Torres said the five unions representing cops should be allowed to give input regarding any reforms proposed by the city.

After the unions voice their opinions, the reforms will go to the court-appointed federal monitor, then to Torres for final approval, she wrote.

“The monitor appointed to oversee the reforms is to consult with the parties, carefully consider each side’s perspective, harmonize their views where possible and, as soon as practicable, propose final recommendation to the court,” Torres wrote.

The new protocol is the result of the unions’ complaints regarding their lack of voice in the stop and frisk reforms posted in stationhouses throughout New York City earlier this month.

The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association hailed the ruling.

“We will continue to be closely involved in the process, and will invoke all of union’s rights…in the event that the union’s lawful interests are impacted in the process,” PBA President Pat Lynch said.

The city Law Department also was on board with the protocol.

“The voices of police officers are also part of the…remedial process,” Law Department spokesman Nick Paolucci said.

The five-page memo detailed step-by-step the constitutional bases for stopping and frisking someone.

The updated rules repeatedly stated cops can’t stop and frisk people for merely making “furtive movements,” such as reaching for their waistband or acting nervous, or for being in a high-crime area. Such reasons were allowed in the past.

From The New York Daily News