When Letitia James was running for attorney general in 2018 to fill the office vacated earlier that year by the disgraced Eric Schneiderman, she supported a repeal of the 50-a provision, which shields police disciplinary records from the public. 

Now, as the state's first black woman to hold the job of chief legal officer, James is confronting an investigation into how police officers responsed over days of protests and violent unrests in cities across New York. 

“Peaceful protest is a basic civil right," James said on Saturday in a statement. "That right should be protected and guarded. We take the designation to investigate last night's actions very seriously. We will act independently to seek answers, ensure that the truth is laid bare, and that there is accountability for any wrongdoing. We will be transparent in our findings as we seek accountability for those who did wrong.”

James went further on Sunday, posting a video to Twitter on the protests and demonstrations as well as reflecting on police brutality. 

She pledged a "swift investigation" and urged people to send videos and written testimony for "recommendations for reform." 

James is not new to the world of confrontational advocacy, having served as the New York City public advocate before she was elected statewide. 

"You see I have engaged in my fair share of protests," she said, listing the names of black men who have been killed during interactions with police. 

"We find ourselves once again demanding equal justice under the law," she said in the video. "I stand with the protesters and I will defend your right to protest and will guard it. But we must march and protest in a righteous fashion and we must not destory property or deface religious institutions. It defeats our cause and our purpose."