35 Facts About NYPD Corruption

The Early Days of NYPD Corruption

Corruption within the New York Police Department (NYPD) has a long history. From its inception, the NYPD has faced numerous scandals and controversies. Here are some eye-opening facts about its early days.

1. The NYPD was established in 1845, making it one of the oldest police departments in the United States. Corruption allegations began almost immediately after its formation.

2. In the 1850s, the NYPD was known for its ties to political machines. Officers often worked in tandem with politicians to control votes and maintain power.

3. The Lexow Committee of 1894 exposed widespread corruption. This investigation revealed that officers were accepting bribes, engaging in extortion, and protecting illegal activities.

4. Police officers in the late 19th century often paid for their positions. This practice, known as "buying a beat," meant that officers had to recoup their investment through corrupt means.

Prohibition and Organized Crime

The Prohibition era (1920-1933) was a significant period for NYPD corruption. The illegal alcohol trade created opportunities for officers to engage in corrupt activities.

5. During Prohibition, many NYPD officers were on the payroll of bootleggers. They accepted bribes to ignore illegal alcohol operations.

6. The Seabury Commission of the early 1930s investigated police corruption. This inquiry found that officers were deeply involved in protecting speakeasies and other illegal establishments.

7. Organized crime flourished during Prohibition, with the NYPD often turning a blind eye in exchange for financial gain.

8. Many officers supplemented their income by working as bodyguards for gangsters. This dual role blurred the lines between law enforcement and criminal activity.

The Knapp Commission and the 1970s

The 1970s were a turning point for the NYPD, marked by the Knapp Commission's investigation into corruption within the department.

9. The Knapp Commission was established in 1970. It was created in response to whistleblower Frank Serpico's allegations of widespread corruption.

10. Frank Serpico's bravery brought attention to the issue. His testimony highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption within the NYPD.

11. The Knapp Commission identified two types of corrupt officers: "grass-eaters" who accepted small bribes and "meat-eaters" who actively sought out corrupt opportunities.

12. The commission's findings led to significant reforms. These included the establishment of the Internal Affairs Bureau to investigate corruption within the department.

Modern-Day Corruption Scandals

Despite efforts to reform, the NYPD has continued to face corruption scandals in recent decades. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges within the department.

13. In the 1990s, the Mollen Commission investigated corruption. This inquiry found that officers were involved in drug trafficking, theft, and brutality.

14. The "Dirty Thirty" scandal of 1994 involved officers from the 30th Precinct in Harlem. They were found to be stealing drugs and money from dealers.

15. In 2000, the "Buddy Boys" scandal came to light. Officers from the 48th Precinct in the Bronx were caught stealing drugs and money, and protecting drug dealers.

16. The NYPD's ticket-fixing scandal of 2011 revealed that officers were dismissing tickets for friends and family in exchange for favors.

17. In 2016, several high-ranking officers were arrested. They were accused of accepting bribes in exchange for providing police escorts, gun licenses, and other favors.

Efforts to Combat Corruption

The NYPD has implemented various measures to address corruption. These efforts aim to restore public trust and ensure accountability within the department.

18. The Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) was established in 1970. It investigates allegations of corruption and misconduct within the NYPD.

19. The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) was created in 1993. This independent agency investigates complaints of police misconduct filed by the public.

20. The NYPD has implemented body-worn cameras. These devices aim to increase transparency and accountability during police interactions.

21. Regular ethics training is provided to officers. This training emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical behavior in law enforcement.

22. The department has a strict policy on accepting gifts. Officers are prohibited from accepting any gifts or gratuities that could compromise their integrity.

High-Profile Cases and Media Coverage

High-profile corruption cases often attract significant media attention. These cases can have a lasting impact on public perception of the NYPD.

23. The Abner Louima case of 1997 involved the brutal assault of a Haitian immigrant by NYPD officers. This incident highlighted issues of police brutality and corruption.

24. The Sean Bell shooting in 2006 raised questions about police accountability. Officers involved in the shooting were later found to have engaged in corrupt practices.

25. The Eric Garner case of 2014 brought national attention to issues of police misconduct. Garner's death during an arrest led to widespread protests and calls for reform.

26. The NYPD's handling of the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011 was criticized. Allegations of excessive force and misconduct were widely reported.

27. The department's response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 faced scrutiny. Reports of excessive force and misconduct led to calls for increased accountability.

The Role of Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers have played a crucial role in exposing corruption within the NYPD. Their bravery has often led to significant reforms and increased transparency.

28. Frank Serpico is perhaps the most famous NYPD whistleblower. His testimony in the 1970s led to the establishment of the Knapp Commission.

29. Adrian Schoolcraft, an officer in the 81st Precinct, exposed corruption in 2009. He recorded conversations that revealed illegal quotas and misconduct.

30. Raymond Wood, an undercover officer in the 1960s, revealed that the NYPD had infiltrated civil rights groups. His revelations highlighted issues of surveillance and misconduct.

31. The Blue Wall of Silence refers to the informal code among officers to not report misconduct. Whistleblowers often face retaliation and ostracism for breaking this code.

The Impact of Corruption on Communities

Corruption within the NYPD has far-reaching consequences. It erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

32. Corruption can lead to wrongful convictions. Innocent individuals may be imprisoned due to fabricated evidence or coerced confessions.

33. Communities of color are often disproportionately affected. Corrupt practices such as racial profiling and excessive force can exacerbate existing inequalities.

34. Public trust in law enforcement is eroded by corruption. When officers engage in corrupt activities, it undermines their credibility and the legitimacy of the entire department.

35. Efforts to address corruption are ongoing. The NYPD continues to implement reforms and initiatives aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.

The Bigger Picture

NYPD corruption isn't just a relic of the past. It’s a complex issue that continues to evolve. From the early days of Tammany Hall to modern-day scandals, corruption has taken many forms. Bribery, extortion, and abuse of power have all played roles in shaping the department's history.

Understanding these facts helps us see the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement. It’s not just about pointing fingers; it’s about learning from the past to build a better future. Reforms and oversight are crucial to ensuring that the NYPD serves and protects all citizens fairly.

By staying informed and engaged, we can contribute to positive change. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s a step toward justice and integrity in policing. Let’s keep pushing for a system that truly upholds the law for everyone.