A specialized police unit, the Community Response Team, formed under Mayor Eric Adams to address quality-of-life issues has been operating without written policies, procedures, or training for its members. The Inspector General for the NYPD found that the lack of transparency and formal guidelines could lead to non-compliance with the law and negative policing outcomes. The unit has faced criticism for its aggressive tactics, particularly in vehicle pursuits, and there are concerns about accountability and transparency. The NYPD has been urged to improve oversight and provide data on the unit’s activities. Further investigations are planned to assess the unit’s impact and officers’ disciplinary history.
The Community Response Team (CRT) is a specialized police unit established by Mayor Eric Adams to address quality-of-life issues in New York City. Since its formation in the summer of 2022, the unit has grown in size and garnered attention for its aggressive tactics, particularly in vehicle pursuits. However, a recent report from the Inspector General for the NYPD revealed that the CRT has been operating without written policies, procedures, or training for its members.
The lack of formal guidelines and training for the CRT has raised concerns about transparency, compliance with the law, and ethical standards. The Inspector General emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies and procedures to enhance public understanding of the unit’s mission and to ensure proper oversight.
Despite the lack of official documentation, the CRT has gained recognition for its efforts to address community complaints, such as cracking down on illegal motorbikes, street vendors, and other quality-of-life issues. The unit’s leaders, Chief of Patrol John Chell and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry, have promoted its work on social media and in NYPD-produced films.
The report highlighted that unlike other specialized units within the NYPD, the CRT does not have specific selection criteria or training requirements for its members. This lack of standardization sets the CRT apart and raises questions about accountability and oversight.
The CRT’s focus on addressing quality-of-life issues has led to various enforcement actions, including targeting illegal street vendors, addressing alleged brothels, and seizing firearms. However, the unit’s aggressive tactics, particularly in vehicle pursuits, have also raised concerns about public safety and potential risks to civilians and officers.
In response to the Inspector General’s report, the NYPD stated that they would review the recommendations and consider implementing changes to enhance accountability and transparency within the CRT. The department acknowledged the importance of addressing the concerns raised by the report and ensuring that the unit operates in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Moving forward, the Inspector General’s office plans to continue monitoring the CRT and conducting further investigations into its operations. Additionally, a future report will examine the disciplinary history of officers in the unit, as well as the impact of its enforcement actions on quality-of-life issues in the city.
Overall, the Inspector General’s report sheds light on the need for the CRT to establish clear guidelines, training protocols, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that it effectively addresses quality-of-life concerns while upholding ethical standards and accountability in its operations.
Source: TheCity.NYC
