New York City’s lawyers are asking a federal judge to hold her ruling ordering major changes to the police department’s stop-and-frisk policy until an appeal can be heard.

U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled this month the New York Police Department violated the civil rights of minorities with the policy. She ordered an outside monitor to oversee major changes.

The city is appealing the decision. On Tuesday the city asked the judge to hold off on implementing her ruling until the appeal is decided. If the judge refuses, the city can ask a federal appeals court to freeze the ruling.

The city’s filing says the judge should hold her ruling because it was erroneous and the prescribed changes could cause harm to public safety.

(AP)