A New York City lawyer has asked a federal appeals panel to suspend a judge’s finding that facets of the stop-and-frisk program are unconstitutional. She says it’s had a “chilling effect” on officers who must carry it out.

Attorney Celeste L. Koeleveld told the 2nd U.S. District Court of Appeals on Tuesday that the officers are “hesitant, unfortunately” to use the tactic. The program has been credited by some for reducing crime across the city over the last decade.

Attorney Daniel Connolly appeared on behalf of former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey. He told judges that officers were “defensive, passive and scared” after Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled in August. The appeals court did not immediately rule on the stay request.

(AP)