The NYPD has reduced suggested punishments for officers guilty of misconduct, with penalties for offenses such as abuse of authority and unlawful searches being watered down to additional training. Critics argue that these changes show a lack of accountability in the department, especially in light of the administration’s support for broken windows policing. Some new misconduct categories were added, but this marks the second time penalties have been reduced since the guidelines were introduced in 2021. Previous commissioners have also made changes to disciplinary actions, with some facing backlash for their decisions. The final say on disciplinary matters still lies with the police commissioner, who has been criticized for deviating from recommended punishments. Despite claims that the changes were made after reviewing patterns and receiving feedback, critics believe that these adjustments are undermining accountability within the NYPD.
NYPD Disciplinary Matrix Changes: What You Need to Know
The NYPD has recently made changes to its disciplinary matrix, affecting suggested punishments for various forms of misconduct by police officers. Published just days before former Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned amidst a federal corruption probe, these changes have raised concerns among critics and criminal justice reformers.
The revised disciplinary matrix, which gives guidelines on penalties for misconduct such as abuse of authority, offensive language, failure to process civilian complaints, and unlawful searches, has been perceived as lenient by many. The mitigated punishments for certain offenses have been reduced to additional training, a shift from previous penalties involving vacation days or suspensions.
Critics, including Lupe Aguirre from the New York Civil Liberties Union, argue that these changes reflect a culture of impunity within the NYPD, especially in light of the department’s high level of misconduct complaints. They believe that the revised matrix further undermines accountability and discipline, particularly in communities of color targeted by broken windows policing.
However, the NYPD also added new categories of misconduct, such as improper relationships and corruption reporting, to the matrix. Despite these additions, concerns remain about the reduction of penalties for serious offenses and the overall enforcement of disciplinary measures.
This is not the first time the NYPD has revised its disciplinary guidelines. Previous Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell also made changes to the matrix, including reducing penalties for certain offenses deemed unfair. However, her tenure was marked by controversy, including her resignation following a dispute over disciplining a high-ranking officer.
The disciplinary matrix was initially introduced in response to calls for police reforms after the death of George Floyd in 2020. The goal was to standardize punishments and increase transparency in disciplinary actions. However, concerns persist about the police commissioner’s discretion in deviating from suggested penalties, as highlighted in reports by ProPublica.
The most recent changes to the disciplinary matrix were defended by Caban as a necessary adjustment based on feedback and review of disciplinary trends. The matrix is described as a living document that will continue to evolve over time to ensure a fair and just discipline system.
Overall, the revisions to the NYPD disciplinary matrix have sparked debate and criticism from various stakeholders, with some viewing them as a step back in accountability and transparency. The impact of these changes on police behavior and community relations remains to be seen as the department navigates ongoing challenges in maintaining discipline and integrity.
Source: TheCity.NYC
