Between 2013 to 2023, a shocking revelation has emerged from a report by the Legal Aid Society: Ten members of the New York Police Department have collectively cost the city more than $68 million in misconduct payouts. Astonishingly, all these officers continue to draw salaries from the public, per the analysis conducted alongside police records.
This damning report comes on the heels of an earlier revelation from Legal Aid, which showed that in the first half of 2023 alone, the NYPD had already shelled out a staggering $50.5 million in police misconduct settlements.
The analysis conducted by Legal Aid, which showed that in the first half of 2023 alone, the NYPD had already shelled out a staggering $50.5 million in police misconduct settlements. Two categories of officers: those with the highest number of legal settlements against them and those whose actions have incurred the greatest financial burden on the city.
Jennvine Wong, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, expressed grave concerns about the situation. She stated, "Collectively, these active members of the NYPD have garnered hundreds of lawsuits, costing taxpayers millions of dollars in cases raising shocking allegations of misconduct, yet they are still allowed to wear a badge and carry a gun. It is also deeply concerning that many have attained ranks of sergeant or above."
In response, the Police Benevolent Association's President, Patrick Hendry, argued that lawsuits are not necessarily indicative of an officer's performance, asserting that settlements often occur for reasons unrelated to the individual officer's actions.
This report grossly neglects our community's safety to keep these officers active. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #AbolitionNow
Link: Gothamist
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