"Call this what it is: a reckless"
No lets call the NY Times Editorial Board reckless. Leftists have been complaining about cops so much, the chickens are coming home to roost.
No lets call the NY Times Editorial Board reckless. Leftists have been complaining about cops so much, the chickens are coming home to roost.
1
The editors of the Times might contribute to the de-escalation they desire by avoiding referring to "the chokehold death of an unarmed black man, Eric Garner" and instead rephrasing it as "the death of Eric Garner while he resisted arrest by the police." That incendiary language is an absolutely conscious choice on the part of the Times and it is a venomous one to police.
While the Times may cite the original medical examiner report, the grand jury came to an altogether different conclusion after much further deliberation and examination than the medical examiner was initially allowed. It's one thing for the Editorials to promulgate this rhetoric but it also appears in the coverage itself, which should not be selective in its reporting and overtly biased in its characterization. I would think the "Public Editor" should weigh in on this at some point.
While the Times may cite the original medical examiner report, the grand jury came to an altogether different conclusion after much further deliberation and examination than the medical examiner was initially allowed. It's one thing for the Editorials to promulgate this rhetoric but it also appears in the coverage itself, which should not be selective in its reporting and overtly biased in its characterization. I would think the "Public Editor" should weigh in on this at some point.
You end with such an incredibly cheap shot, but it really doesn't matter. The Times has already taken itself out of the real conversation in light of the incessant stridency and condescending attacks on the integrity of the men and women of the NYPD. You preach to the converted and harden those who understand that the Times' irresponsible posture, replete with typical parlor pink anti-union references to bosses, is at most short-sighted. The Times has opted to be the arbiter of nothing in the current conflict between rank and file police and the Mayor; instead the Times opts to be another advocate fanning flames. It's a shame.
1
I find this editorial piece to be quite galling especially since 2 of New York's Finest were shot trying to prevent a robbery--they were doing their jobs. I am sorry but you overestimate how the police are or are not doing their jobs. I think they are doing quite well. Your snivelling editorial board needs to stop trying to tell the police how it should or should not behave when the mayor throws them under the bus repeatedly,
1
Your editorials on this issue are becomingly increasingly hysterical and obsessive. I am offended on behalf of the police officers who would run to save any one of your board members despite the true offense you provide them every single day of late.
1
You have to feel completely entitled to your job to treat your bosses in this manner.
37
The lack of respect from both sides just hurts the city. Until both sides are willing to listen to and try to understand where the other side is coming from, nothing will change.
4
Cops that don't want to do their jobs should be FIRED IMMEDIATELY and let someone else have the job.
28
What are the comments, "verbatim", that the Mayor has made that have caused such a reaction? Patrick Lynch said on a radio interview yesterday that City Hall had failed to sufficiently denounce protester chants for dead cops. I have no context but will give the benefit of the doubt (as far as it goes) that a passionate denouncement is a reasonable expectation, even if everyone knows such speech is lunacy. But that (apparently) unmet expectation does not justify the police response. I would hope the PBA could point to a trigger of a substantially more active, shrill, and inciting nature. If the mere expression of legitimate questions in response to citizens' legitimate concerns (part of the role of a leader) is sufficient basis for the police reaction, we no longer live in a democracy based on the principals of the Constitution and defended by the police.
I'd like to see the comments to form an informed opinion whether the PBA is being incredibly thin skinned or has some legitimate basis for feeling unfairly questioned. If anyone knows where we can find such a compendium of verbatim comments please post it.
I'd like to see the comments to form an informed opinion whether the PBA is being incredibly thin skinned or has some legitimate basis for feeling unfairly questioned. If anyone knows where we can find such a compendium of verbatim comments please post it.
14
Thank you for this smart, spot-on editorial, and thank you as well for the fierce, strong wording. You've nailed it. "Sullen insubordination" and police who refuse to police themselves or the city they are sworn to protect pose a real and present danger to everybody in the city. You're doing your job: naming names of those public figures who need to step up or retreat, issuing a summons to citizens, writing an indictment. Good.
30
In the last five years, the city has paid out nearly half a billion dollars to settle civil rights violations committed by the NYPD. Now the union is saying that anyone who criticizes this record is anti-cop? Please. The organization has forgotten who they work for, and these self-serving and petty demonstrations are only the latest example. The mayor should stand his ground, and push for police reform, and the polls suggest he has the support to do so. Only 44 percent of voters think the NYPD is doing a good job, compared to 22 percent among black voters.
44
Now you can eliminate overtime, and a bunch of the deadwood. A police science prof across the hall from me years ago pointed out that there is never a shortage of applicants for police jobs He also pointed out that being a commercial fisherman was 8 times more dangerous than being a cop). If the non-performers egos are all so damaged, they should resign.
31
The editorial wants to have its cake and to eat it too. It wants to have it both ways. Maybe it wants to govern. Maybe we should ask the Editorial Board to police New York it own way. The editorial reveals the utter ridiculousness of liberal elites that do not know what they want.
11
The NYPD protests at funerals reminds me of Westboro Babtist Church.
22
This is a good deal for the middle class and lower. It has been proven time and again that petty fines and arrests are much higher for the less affluent. The legal system fines against us are just like sin taxes on tobacco, alcohol and gasoline.
It is bad for the tax and spend New York political machine.
Good news all the way around, price of gas is lower than like forever, so two of the four sin taxes are in retreat!
It is bad for the tax and spend New York political machine.
Good news all the way around, price of gas is lower than like forever, so two of the four sin taxes are in retreat!
10
You don't agree with boss you throw darts at his picture you ask your buddies are there any openings where they work or you quit. You don't hold your breath until he apologizes. You put your feeling up on the shelf you put on your blouse and you do your job. That's what is called doing your duty. Doing your duty is holding the line for the people you serve. If that is to much maybe other employment is the answer. Duty and Honor cannot be compromised.
29
I am a frequent visitor to NYC, but I will not be returning until the NYC police start doing their jobs again. If they aren’t doing their jobs, replace them. In the mean time, I will be taking my dollars else where.
19
I have been a proud teacher's union member and later a member of CSEA. I have been on strike. My Dad was shop a shop steward of Local 802 Teamsters and later a Vice President of the same bakery drivers union. My grandfather was a founding member of an ironworkers union in NYC; he got beat up by bosses lackeys on the way home from meetings. I am totally disgusted by the NYCPD's slow down and total disrespect for the Office of Mayor. Maybe it is time for the Mayor to take some inspiration from President Ronald Reagan who knocked out the Air Traffic Control Operators for refusing to do their job. I can't believe I am saying this. But you know what? There are plenty of women and men out there who would be proud to fill the ranks of what we always called "New York's Finest".
30
Those that can, do.
Those that can't become cops.
Those that can't become cops.
17
Lawlessness among police ranks is the epitome of social irresponsibility. They are worse than the criminals because we have entrusted them with an oath,a badge, and a paycheck,and a pension,and health care. They owe us honesty and a sincere effort to improve the city for its law abiding citizens or quit! Yes, quit the force!
28
I thought the NYT had a love affair with labor unions. They supported them and wished them on every industry. I do too. And I understand the consequences. Does the board?
5
I am a public employee. If I am disrespectful to my boss and refuse to do parts of my job, I get a warning. If I don't shape up, I get fired. Why are there different standards for cops? There are plenty of highly motivated people who could replace those who think they are above the law and believe they have a right to be disrespectful to their boss and cherry pick what work they want to do.
More harsh words, but targeted at the union representing these cops. I am a proud union member and I firmly believe in the need for unions. But for the past years, unions representing first responders have thoroughly annoyed me. First responders are not first class citizens who have deserved special treatment. They chose to go into this profession, nobody forced them. Why can they retire after 20 years and get full benefits? Why does their overtime count toward their pension? And please don't tell me that these people put their lives on the line for us. If you look at labor statistics for 2013 it is simply not true that first responders get killed at a higher rate than other professions. Here are some numbers to back this up: firefighting and prevention worker fatalities 53; law enforcement fatalities 97; ground maintenance fatalities 146; agricultural fatalities 123; construction trades fatalities 571; motor vehicle operator fatalities 831; material moving workers 222 (source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf).
More harsh words, but targeted at the union representing these cops. I am a proud union member and I firmly believe in the need for unions. But for the past years, unions representing first responders have thoroughly annoyed me. First responders are not first class citizens who have deserved special treatment. They chose to go into this profession, nobody forced them. Why can they retire after 20 years and get full benefits? Why does their overtime count toward their pension? And please don't tell me that these people put their lives on the line for us. If you look at labor statistics for 2013 it is simply not true that first responders get killed at a higher rate than other professions. Here are some numbers to back this up: firefighting and prevention worker fatalities 53; law enforcement fatalities 97; ground maintenance fatalities 146; agricultural fatalities 123; construction trades fatalities 571; motor vehicle operator fatalities 831; material moving workers 222 (source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf).
28
Dear NYT editorial board. Not all of us live on Park Ave., 5th Ave or the suburbs. This hispanic Lower East Sider appreciates the broken windows policy and fully supports the NYPD. It's been really nice having my neighborhood as safe as yours over the past 2 decades. Spend a couple of weeks in NYCHA housing and let me know how you feel about things. Must be nice not having to worry about your kids getting home safe. Of course, according to you, the police are to be feared, not the criminals.
17
I am surprised that the article does not say if the police slow down resulted in disproportionately fewer arrests of minorities. That would be a very interesting piece of information.
9
Perhaps it's time for a "blue flu". This is in no way extortion - as far as I know, the cops have not asked for anything but respect for what they have accomplished and support from their leaders. Instead they get figuratively spit upon and the protester get lauded. In the polices' eyes and in mine the world is upside down.
3
New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton's body language is of an elderly, tired man intimidated by the NYPD aggressive union leader. Is time to bring a new police commissioner to install order and discipline among the rank and file.
10
This all underscores the basic problem -- the sense that police across America don't have any sense of accountability and can basically get away with anything. That they are above the law. That's a serious problem.
25
I find it interesting that the NYT, who sided with the Air Traffic Controllers union (of all people) in their strike against the United States Government (patently illegal) finds its voice in abandoning the rank and file cop on the beat, whose life has been put in jeopardy by a mayor who has wavered in his support of the administration he (supposedly) leads.
But, what could the voters of NYC expect when they elected a Socialist as mayor? A man who does not begin to understand the burdens he has assumed as Mayor of NYC. Clean out the police department all you want, but publicly criticizing them to build your own reputation was stupid and short sighted.
I don't blame the cops one bit. Good luck finding replacements.
WR
But, what could the voters of NYC expect when they elected a Socialist as mayor? A man who does not begin to understand the burdens he has assumed as Mayor of NYC. Clean out the police department all you want, but publicly criticizing them to build your own reputation was stupid and short sighted.
I don't blame the cops one bit. Good luck finding replacements.
WR
13
I'm surprised that this whole episode, or series of tragic episodes, hasn't been laid at the feet of Daniel Pantaleo who ignored 19 years of policy and used a choke hold on Eric Garner who died in a case labeled by the coroner as a "Homicide."
We all appreciate our police but the rank and file has to want to, as we all do, rid its ranks of inept or just bad cops.
We all appreciate our police but the rank and file has to want to, as we all do, rid its ranks of inept or just bad cops.
25
As someone who well recalls walking down 42nd street in 1979 and being agog at the filth and porn everywhere, I truly wonder what people think it is that has allowed NYC to become the safest large city on earth.
The idea that 'broken windows' policing has not been worth the trouble (I myself have been stopped and frisked, and not having any bench warrants or other legal issues outstanding have considered it a minor inconvenience at worst) flies in the face of recent history. Do cops get out of control, and take their power for granted? Yes. By the same token, DeBlasio made the police the enemy in his campaign, yes, he did. Oh, and making public his ridiculous notion that black youths have reasons to fear cops. starting with his own son. Elevating Sharpton to a cabinet level, really? Meeting with protesters who were blocking streets, endangering lives, and attacking police? As much as DeBlasio may not want to admit it, civility starts with law and order. Maybe he should have a talk with Dinkins about that.
The idea that 'broken windows' policing has not been worth the trouble (I myself have been stopped and frisked, and not having any bench warrants or other legal issues outstanding have considered it a minor inconvenience at worst) flies in the face of recent history. Do cops get out of control, and take their power for granted? Yes. By the same token, DeBlasio made the police the enemy in his campaign, yes, he did. Oh, and making public his ridiculous notion that black youths have reasons to fear cops. starting with his own son. Elevating Sharpton to a cabinet level, really? Meeting with protesters who were blocking streets, endangering lives, and attacking police? As much as DeBlasio may not want to admit it, civility starts with law and order. Maybe he should have a talk with Dinkins about that.
12
16% or so of registered voters is not "an overwhelming vote." It was the product of a Karl Rove inspired get-out-the-radical-base wedge campaign combined with ignorant apathy.
5
They're behaving like spoiled two-year-olds. complete with holding their breaths until they turn blue and falling to the ground and kicking and screaming unless they get their way. My maternal grandfather was a union organizer here in the coalfields of Appalachia. At great personal risk to himself and his family, I might add: like my late mom and aunts, all of whom had Coal & Iron Police flashbacks. NYPD is a disgrace to his memory, and the memories of brave men like him. Put a sock on it. Grow up! You guys have it easy in comparison.
12
This is one of the first times that Bratton is being held responsible for doing his job--though the criticism in the editorial is still quite mild. I've been wondering during this turmoil why all 'fault' is directed at de Blasio and Bratton somehow is merely 'standing nearby.' When the first back-turning took place Bratton was shown to have no control. Then he merely 'suggested' it not happen again! No surprise the same disrespect--implicitly directed at Bratton as well--took place. The cops are saying, "commish, you're nothing to us.'
What is the job of 'commissioner' anyway? What are we paying this huge salary for?
What is the job of 'commissioner' anyway? What are we paying this huge salary for?
6
I saw on the news, that parking citations were down 93%…never mind the police unions…New Yorkers love this new mayor!
11
Police deserve respect. What they do is dangerous and difficult. They need all the support possible. But right now, they are behaving like spoiled children. It is deplorable. I support the police, but they are endangering us all with this behavior. Democracy is about making concessions, give a little take a little. I urge them to stop, now.
15
de Blasio loves slowdowns when it involves snow plows in Manhattan, de Blasio hates slowdowns when they cut into his government revenue streams.
de Blasio loves due process when it involves illegal immigrants, de Blasio hates due process when it involves the police
de Blasio loves strong executive action when his agenda, de Blasio hates strong executive action when it involves enforcing the law.
de Blasio loves due process when it involves illegal immigrants, de Blasio hates due process when it involves the police
de Blasio loves strong executive action when his agenda, de Blasio hates strong executive action when it involves enforcing the law.
6
It seems to me that in other circumstances the NYT would be defending those who turned their backs on the mayor as exercising their free speech rights. But because it supports the mayor over the police, the action was "disrespectful."
I can't wait to see the NYT's commentary when it's a conservative that's being disrespected.
I can't wait to see the NYT's commentary when it's a conservative that's being disrespected.
6
The police officers who think that they are above the law and also above the city’s elected officials are part of the problem – not part of the solution. If they don’t want to report to the city’s Mayor and his chosen police commissioner then they should quit and find employment more to their liking. Letting the police disrespect the Mayor and the police commissioner in addition to the way that they’ve been disrespecting the city’s minority community would mean that NYC has become a police state. If that’s true then the city should ask the federal government for assistance in re-establishing democracy.
12
How compelling it is that, at large, those in the Armed Forces take seriously "Call to Duty" -- with its summons to the most elemental practice of maturity, commitment, and responsibility -- whereas so many now in the NYPD (and other police departments throughout the U.S.) do not.
In my experience, I believe a primary reason these days for so much police laxity (beyond personal carelessness) is the woeful fact that -- as also in Corporate America -- increasing numbers in the job force couldn't care less about enforcing those traditional trademarks of work ethic: integrity and devotion to task.
In my experience, I believe a primary reason these days for so much police laxity (beyond personal carelessness) is the woeful fact that -- as also in Corporate America -- increasing numbers in the job force couldn't care less about enforcing those traditional trademarks of work ethic: integrity and devotion to task.
8
Democracies and pluralistic societies are inherently fragile. All it takes is a critical mass of people in the right places to place their own interests above the common good and stop doing their necessary jobs in a responsible way. The attitude of the officers declining to do their work appropriately is no different from that of the people with guns who showed up in Nevada to threaten government officials trying to enforce grazing permits, but because of their circumstances, the danger is much worse. Not a big Reagan fan, but he knew what to do when the air traffic controllers wanted to hold the government hostage, and the same kind of leadership is needed now.
3
I think the editorial board at the NYT needs to decide what it really wants when it comes to policing. Concerns previously have been directed at the 'broken windows' approach to law enforcement; the targeting of minor offenses under the reasoning that those who commit 'minor' crimes (sometimes referred to as 'quality of life' offenses) are also those who commit, or have information about, major crimes. Despite falling crime rates the NYT was harshly critical of 'broken windows' policing during the Bloomberg administration as unfairly targeting minorities.
Given those expressed opinions one might think that you would embrace the reduction in summonses and traffic tickets of the past two weeks. In fact, weren't you outraged at the ticketing statistics for Ferguson MO, which you felt put revenue generation on the backs of those least able to afford it, i.e. a regressive tax? Doesn't this slowdown represent a perfect opportunity to test your theories?
To date there is no indication that public safety has been compromised by the summons/ticketing slowdown and the shooting of two officers in the Bronx earlier this week shows that major crimes are still being pursued aggressively. So what is your complaint? Oh, right, the slow-down is a form of disrespect for the Mayor and we can't have that. The same mayor who embraces Al Sharpton and bitterly condemned those who objected to top adviser Rachel Noerdlinger as "McCarthyites" must be respected, or is that Respected, capital "R"?
Given those expressed opinions one might think that you would embrace the reduction in summonses and traffic tickets of the past two weeks. In fact, weren't you outraged at the ticketing statistics for Ferguson MO, which you felt put revenue generation on the backs of those least able to afford it, i.e. a regressive tax? Doesn't this slowdown represent a perfect opportunity to test your theories?
To date there is no indication that public safety has been compromised by the summons/ticketing slowdown and the shooting of two officers in the Bronx earlier this week shows that major crimes are still being pursued aggressively. So what is your complaint? Oh, right, the slow-down is a form of disrespect for the Mayor and we can't have that. The same mayor who embraces Al Sharpton and bitterly condemned those who objected to top adviser Rachel Noerdlinger as "McCarthyites" must be respected, or is that Respected, capital "R"?
8
I think de Blasio has to immediately enforce the law in NY. If police is sabotaging it's job, the Chief of NY police has to be fired, the pay to police departments not doing their jobs has to be stopped, it is money from OUR pockets, they have no right to be paid if the job is not done. The major has enough of people sources to check their job. Policemen have the right to protest in a way everyone does it: peacefuly, after working hours, without uniforms and guns. The way they are declaring the quiet war on all of us in New York exposing residents to small crime and refusing to enforce rules and regulations is a crime.
7
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I especially loved the little quip about calling the Department of Justice to investigate whether the decrease in policing minority communities is a violation of civil rights.
So I guess when you don't police people that is ALSO racist. Laughable.
So I guess when you don't police people that is ALSO racist. Laughable.
10
Over the top much, NYT Editors?
9
The police are behaving typically in the manner in which they have become accustomed after 8 years of Giuliani, 12 years of Bloomberg and 14 years under Ray Kelly - That they are above the law.
No surprise here.
No surprise here.
19
Finally, a ballsy editorial by the Times that speaks the truth. Sure, the police have a right to protest, but turning their backs on the mayor during the funerals of their fallen comrades and refusing to do their jobs while being paid are disgraceful and unacceptable. Those in public service swore to serve the people, not the mayor, and their duty to the community supersedes their petty 'need' to act like entitled brats. As a New Yorker, I do not want police officers who lack the decency to show respect at their comrades' funerals, or feel they can choose not to do their jobs just because they don't like their boss.
15
When are any photos going to be published where you can see what percentage of police were actually turning their backs at the mayor. All you see are close ups, and partial panaoramas that provide no sense of if 5, 20, 50 or 90 percent of police actually turned their backs. The writing is also notably deficient in providing these estimates.
A lot of rhetoric and drama goes into this story, yet very little on the simplest and most important part of the story.
And I don't want to hear some guy's estimate of how many either. That's ridiculous. There were cameras and helicopters recording the entire event. No need to ask some dude what it looked like to him. Just show the photos of the entire crowd, pointing out where the mayor was a the moment, and let the people decide. This inflammatory censorship of useful information is a disgrace.
A lot of rhetoric and drama goes into this story, yet very little on the simplest and most important part of the story.
And I don't want to hear some guy's estimate of how many either. That's ridiculous. There were cameras and helicopters recording the entire event. No need to ask some dude what it looked like to him. Just show the photos of the entire crowd, pointing out where the mayor was a the moment, and let the people decide. This inflammatory censorship of useful information is a disgrace.
4
Perhaps the problem is that we have too many police.
In the early 1990s, when the broken window theory was put into action, New York City had an overwhelming crime problem. We needed a huge police force to "clean up" neighborhoods and make them safe for real estate agents. This job is now largely completed.
The recent action by the NYPD proves that their force numbers are unnecessary. They've shown us that it is now possible to have lay offs.
Republicans, like those on FoxNews--the "news" channel most responsible for ginning up this anti-de Blassio sentiment, often rail against the high taxes and big government of New York City. They should be happy with this approach.
In the early 1990s, when the broken window theory was put into action, New York City had an overwhelming crime problem. We needed a huge police force to "clean up" neighborhoods and make them safe for real estate agents. This job is now largely completed.
The recent action by the NYPD proves that their force numbers are unnecessary. They've shown us that it is now possible to have lay offs.
Republicans, like those on FoxNews--the "news" channel most responsible for ginning up this anti-de Blassio sentiment, often rail against the high taxes and big government of New York City. They should be happy with this approach.
7
Maybve part of the problem is that there are too many silly petty little laws. The fact that the police are refusing to enforce petty laws (most of the burden of which fall on the poor) should be appaulded and not decried. Have the police focus on things that matter and leave the guys selling loose cigarettes alone.
10
de Blasio has rather personally biased views of what laws should be enforced, and which ignored. Demonstrators, for example, are by law not permitted to block traffic or interfere with the free movement of others, yet he approves their actions. Demonstrators shouting "Kill a cop!" are clearly making illegal, possibly felonious, threats; he does not ask that those doing so be arrested and arraigned, and would speak out in their support if that should occur.
The police want to pursue all law-breakers with equal fervor. de Blasio sides with those who vilify the police, after an impartial mixed race civilian mixed race grand jury, exercising their judgement on the evidence rather than submitting to the mob's demands, confirmed that the police had acted within the law and performed appropriately.
When de Blasio supports the police, they will support him. Respect is not an entitlement that one is due; it must be earned. In his case, whatever might have been his by having being elected by the citizens of New York has been squandered by his disgraceful treatment of his police and encouragement -- with that opportunistic self aggrandizing racist, Sharpton, as his closest adviser --of anti-police mobs.
The only way for de Blasio to restore police order in New York City is to resign. He is an intelligent man; he knows this. If he were an honorable man: He'd do so. Quickly.
The police want to pursue all law-breakers with equal fervor. de Blasio sides with those who vilify the police, after an impartial mixed race civilian mixed race grand jury, exercising their judgement on the evidence rather than submitting to the mob's demands, confirmed that the police had acted within the law and performed appropriately.
When de Blasio supports the police, they will support him. Respect is not an entitlement that one is due; it must be earned. In his case, whatever might have been his by having being elected by the citizens of New York has been squandered by his disgraceful treatment of his police and encouragement -- with that opportunistic self aggrandizing racist, Sharpton, as his closest adviser --of anti-police mobs.
The only way for de Blasio to restore police order in New York City is to resign. He is an intelligent man; he knows this. If he were an honorable man: He'd do so. Quickly.
8
A man in Staten Island is committing a misdemeanor. He is found by the police who wish to arrest him and he declines to be arrested. There are those in the city who say that it's just a misdemeanor and the police should walk away, but they used force to arrest him. Though not planned, the force results in the death of the miscreant and now the Mayor and the city are up in arms asking why this happened. The police are bowing to the pressure from above and giving people what they want. Go ahead, commit minor crimes. The police can't touch you. Why is anyone unhappy with this?
7
NYT you disgust me. You have been in the forefront of the demonizing of the NYPD without basis.
I don't have any family members that are in the NYPD, so I am writing as a lifetime liberal NYC resident whose family has been here since the early 19th Century.
The NYPD has done what DeBasio wants, back off, back down, let the inmates rule the asylum. Protesters blocking the bridges so ambulances can't get through, no problem, no response from the City. Protestors advocating cop killings, not a word from the Mayor.
Remember this administration told the cops to stop arresting people for drug offenses even though those laws on the books. This was done unilaterally by the Mayor.
NYC is an amazingly safe place because of our police force and the enforcement of the broken windows philosophy. NYC makes bank on the spending by tourists and workforce that come here daily, comfortable because of the low crime.
So our excellent police force is still fighting crime, maybe you missed the fact that two officers were shot yesterday responding to a call. I speculate officers on the street are working to the rules that are specified in their long expired contract thus are doing things exactly by the book. They are waiting for orders instead of using their discretion and the lower brass is hamstrung by the non support of the Mayor.
The police are not a prop, trotted out when you need some safety cred, then thrown under the bus when something goes wrong. Your move, Mayor.
I don't have any family members that are in the NYPD, so I am writing as a lifetime liberal NYC resident whose family has been here since the early 19th Century.
The NYPD has done what DeBasio wants, back off, back down, let the inmates rule the asylum. Protesters blocking the bridges so ambulances can't get through, no problem, no response from the City. Protestors advocating cop killings, not a word from the Mayor.
Remember this administration told the cops to stop arresting people for drug offenses even though those laws on the books. This was done unilaterally by the Mayor.
NYC is an amazingly safe place because of our police force and the enforcement of the broken windows philosophy. NYC makes bank on the spending by tourists and workforce that come here daily, comfortable because of the low crime.
So our excellent police force is still fighting crime, maybe you missed the fact that two officers were shot yesterday responding to a call. I speculate officers on the street are working to the rules that are specified in their long expired contract thus are doing things exactly by the book. They are waiting for orders instead of using their discretion and the lower brass is hamstrung by the non support of the Mayor.
The police are not a prop, trotted out when you need some safety cred, then thrown under the bus when something goes wrong. Your move, Mayor.
13
This piece contains and has led to a lot of mind reading.
I don’t know for sure why ticket writing and arresting has decreased to the degree it has, but Bratton’s caution in jumping to conclusions seems wise for now (there could be causes in addition to the obvious). But of course the decrease has to be investigated and addressed (I am not trying to justify it).
I don’t know for sure why the mayor was not more supportive of the police early on, even if political gain or disrespect for the police seems a likely cause to some.
The article’s assertion that cops “revel in showing contempt” might be purposefully disrespectful to the officers whose thoughts might be somber and honorable (even if their actions might be harmful), but I cannot mind-read the editorial board any more than I can mind-read the officers.
Why people behave the way they do, including journalists, politicians, and police officers can have multiple explanations, some less obvious than others. My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones in this growing story, and I hope peaceful and productive resolutions are forthcoming.
I don’t know for sure why ticket writing and arresting has decreased to the degree it has, but Bratton’s caution in jumping to conclusions seems wise for now (there could be causes in addition to the obvious). But of course the decrease has to be investigated and addressed (I am not trying to justify it).
I don’t know for sure why the mayor was not more supportive of the police early on, even if political gain or disrespect for the police seems a likely cause to some.
The article’s assertion that cops “revel in showing contempt” might be purposefully disrespectful to the officers whose thoughts might be somber and honorable (even if their actions might be harmful), but I cannot mind-read the editorial board any more than I can mind-read the officers.
Why people behave the way they do, including journalists, politicians, and police officers can have multiple explanations, some less obvious than others. My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones in this growing story, and I hope peaceful and productive resolutions are forthcoming.
4
I place the blame for this conflict squarely on the Mayor and his apparent lack of leadership. Mayor deBlasio is not a hapless victim of forces beyond his control. Shifting the blame to others is a tactic often used to avoid accountability when things get tough. By utterly failing to manage the complex dynamics that define this City, Mayor deBlasio has shown himself and his administration to be incompetent to move our City forward.
10
Time to fire them all and do a total rehire. If they don't understand the law, maybe being without a job might just awaken them.
8
I'm okay with the police handing out fewer tickets.
Governments should be more honest how they raise money anyway.
Plus if the government saves money by putting fewer people in jail, it doesn't have to resort to dishonest means to raise money.
Based on what I can see, I'd encourage the Mayor to do even more to offend the police. Maybe then we might achieve a better balance in the criminal justice system.
Governments should be more honest how they raise money anyway.
Plus if the government saves money by putting fewer people in jail, it doesn't have to resort to dishonest means to raise money.
Based on what I can see, I'd encourage the Mayor to do even more to offend the police. Maybe then we might achieve a better balance in the criminal justice system.
6
To all those who suggest cutting the ranks because crime is down understand cause and effect... crime is down because of the police. If you cut the force by 90% and some of the posters suggest would crime go up or down?
And DeBlasio is not a sovereign or a Commander in Chief. He is not owed a salute or respect by anyone. (The Police do salute the Commissioner, soldiers do salute The President because he is their Commander in Chief) Indeed, he did everything possible to make the police his enemy... and now they are
And DeBlasio is not a sovereign or a Commander in Chief. He is not owed a salute or respect by anyone. (The Police do salute the Commissioner, soldiers do salute The President because he is their Commander in Chief) Indeed, he did everything possible to make the police his enemy... and now they are
7
Police not doing their jobs should be suspended without pay or fired, just like anyone else. Many police, as we now see, have a something in common with the people they arrest. This is an opportunity to prune the force of its ailments.
10
What's new? They haven't done anything to stop the doubleparking on Broadway and 216th for years now at what appears to be a chop shop (the mechanics treat the street like their private parking lot), - a bottleneck that causes all kinds of trouble. When one calls the 34th Precinct, one eventually can get the captain, who says he likes to give warnings. Obviously, only select businesses get those warnings. Other people get chokes or worse, at least when the police aren't trying to fend off accountability by engaging in a slow-down.
10
You should respect your job and duty before the residents of NY can respect you.
10
"Refusing to do their jobs"!? That's almost funny if not sad. They are definitely between hell and high water, as no one can agree as to what the police job is to be. They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Get real. Criticism is easy and flows fast, but agreement is no where to be found. Liberals well they are happy without any arrests, and conservatives likely think no law is meant to be broken.
7
The apparently deliberate work slowdown by the police clearly amounts to extortion. That being the case, what are the demands of the extortionists?
In a revealing interview on NPR recently, Patrick Lynch demanded an apology from the Mayor. In the interview Lynch was asked a pointed question: Did he think that Daniel Pantaleo's lethal tactic against Eric Garner was a good, bad, or average bit of police work? Lynch dissembled, arguing that if cops kill people while doing their work then “we…cannot...not support them when something doesn't go exactly by script."
Previous reporting reveals that Lynch is offended because the mayor has not shown the "support and respect" he thinks the police deserve. Now the entire police force is signaling that their work is so valuable that they deserve support and respect for everything they do, including murdering people. They are holding their valuable work hostage until their demands are met.
Years ago the air traffic controllers went on strike because they thought their value was not being respected by the federal government. In a dramatic move, Ronald Reagan summarily fired the entire staff of air traffic controllers.
That may not be an actual legal precedent when it comes to dealing with the police. But it is certainly a political one and a managerial one. The cops must learn that there are limits to their behavior, and that exceeding those limits cannot and will not be tolerated.
In a revealing interview on NPR recently, Patrick Lynch demanded an apology from the Mayor. In the interview Lynch was asked a pointed question: Did he think that Daniel Pantaleo's lethal tactic against Eric Garner was a good, bad, or average bit of police work? Lynch dissembled, arguing that if cops kill people while doing their work then “we…cannot...not support them when something doesn't go exactly by script."
Previous reporting reveals that Lynch is offended because the mayor has not shown the "support and respect" he thinks the police deserve. Now the entire police force is signaling that their work is so valuable that they deserve support and respect for everything they do, including murdering people. They are holding their valuable work hostage until their demands are met.
Years ago the air traffic controllers went on strike because they thought their value was not being respected by the federal government. In a dramatic move, Ronald Reagan summarily fired the entire staff of air traffic controllers.
That may not be an actual legal precedent when it comes to dealing with the police. But it is certainly a political one and a managerial one. The cops must learn that there are limits to their behavior, and that exceeding those limits cannot and will not be tolerated.
10
It's scandalous when NYC police officers stop enforcing traffic laws and stop making arrests for minor criminal infractions, for a couple of weeks, after widespread criticism of their aggressive crime fighting and arrest procedures...criticism that included factual misreporting by the mainstream media (Garner's death is still being referred to as a "chokehold death"), race baiting rhetoric by left wing politicians, protesters chanting "What do we want? Dead cops! When do we want it? Now!", and ultimately resulted in the ambush murder of two of their fellow police officers.
But it's OK for the President of the United States, the nation's chief law enforcement officer, to stop enforcing our immigration laws, and unilaterally grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens.
Are we a nation of laws, or not?
Both the President and the NYC police should follow the laws that they swore to uphold. Both have a bit of discretion in how they do so. But, in the case of the NYC police, after a reasonable time to regroup after the ambush murder of their colleagues, outright refusal to enforce traffic and misdemeanor laws would be a firing-worthy dereliction of duty. And, in the case of President Obama, the unilateral granting of amnesty and work permits to millions of illegal aliens is a violation of his oath of office and an impeachable offense.
Liberals who applaud the President and criticize the NYC police are hypocrites.
But it's OK for the President of the United States, the nation's chief law enforcement officer, to stop enforcing our immigration laws, and unilaterally grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens.
Are we a nation of laws, or not?
Both the President and the NYC police should follow the laws that they swore to uphold. Both have a bit of discretion in how they do so. But, in the case of the NYC police, after a reasonable time to regroup after the ambush murder of their colleagues, outright refusal to enforce traffic and misdemeanor laws would be a firing-worthy dereliction of duty. And, in the case of President Obama, the unilateral granting of amnesty and work permits to millions of illegal aliens is a violation of his oath of office and an impeachable offense.
Liberals who applaud the President and criticize the NYC police are hypocrites.
4
Why don't the police have the same freedom of speech that those that write/sing and indoctrinate our youth with "kill the cops" rap songs, and those who protest police killings of criminals have? Strange double standard coming from the NY Times alleged champions of free speech editors! Or ... does freedom of speech only apply to self proclaimed humanist liberals, or the latest faddish sacred victim minority seeking special privileges, or undemocratic rich and powerful rigging our society for personal gain billionaire minority that wants to flood our nation with slave wage immigrants and outsource all manufacturing jobs to China and Mexico.
7
They do. As Cmmr. Bratton said, they have the right to demonstrate, to protest...on their own time. This is dereliction of duty; this is mutinous contempt for the rule of law.
14
I've been posting this exact sentiment all over the web since this insanity by the NYPD began. Good to see the Times catching on to it. We've reached a Reagan/PATCO moment -- time for De Blasio to show the NYPD who's boss and fire the entire force and ban them from ever holding a sworn position in NYC again. You either believe in democracy or not. When you swear to uphold the law as a public servant you are declaring your loyalty to democracy and your place in its order.
14
I hope the NYPD feels "targeted" since they are so guilty of targeting unarmed minorities like they did w Eric Gardner.
8
When people walk down their streets, or their kids walk home from school, they don't want to be surrounded by signs of social disorder. Prostitution, drug deals, people urinating in streets, trash, "broken windows." etc. These are signs of social dysfunction in their neighborhoods, and the disregard of the rest of society. But are these matters for our police -- for our law enforcement officers?
If not, then society must decide on some other way to handle them. Who will work with/in communities on these matters? How will they be trained and paid? It's easy enough to complain about how the system is "broken" or to vilify the police, who seem in this case to be "damned if they do and damned if they don't." But what constructive, practical solutions are being offered?
The police are sending a perfectly logical message. Reform the system if you like, but figure out what that reform will really look like. As a society, we may decide that armed law enforcement officers will do this type of thing, using the methods they inevitably must learn and use in order to deal with serious crimes and an armed public. Or, we may decide that some other agency would be better equipped and trained to handle community social policing and petty, "victim-less" crime. What we are doing now is blaming the police for wider social issues, and trapping them in what obviously appears to them to be a no-win situation.
If not, then society must decide on some other way to handle them. Who will work with/in communities on these matters? How will they be trained and paid? It's easy enough to complain about how the system is "broken" or to vilify the police, who seem in this case to be "damned if they do and damned if they don't." But what constructive, practical solutions are being offered?
The police are sending a perfectly logical message. Reform the system if you like, but figure out what that reform will really look like. As a society, we may decide that armed law enforcement officers will do this type of thing, using the methods they inevitably must learn and use in order to deal with serious crimes and an armed public. Or, we may decide that some other agency would be better equipped and trained to handle community social policing and petty, "victim-less" crime. What we are doing now is blaming the police for wider social issues, and trapping them in what obviously appears to them to be a no-win situation.
5
The cops are acting in a juvenile manner in response to De Blasio's stupid statement. This is an odd editorial to appear a couple of days after two police were shoot in the Bronx.
The police were in a position to gain a large amount of support. Only 24% of the public bothered to vote in the last election. Instead they are frittering it away.
The police were in a position to gain a large amount of support. Only 24% of the public bothered to vote in the last election. Instead they are frittering it away.
7
I side with the police and not with the Mayor. The Mayor was disrespectful to the men and women in blue who risk their lives every day to keep the city safe. If the Mayor wants to dis the police, it is within their right to dis him back. Good for them !
9
Police departments do not recruit from the most educated, worldly and capable slice of society, but rather the less-educated, provincial portion. Is it any wonder why so many of them act so immaturely and unprofessionally? Most of them have never stepped foot outside of a 50 mile radius of their childhood homes. Only a tiny percent have college degrees. And then you add the fact that they are unionized. This was always a disaster waiting to happen.
14
it is attitudes such as this that are the problem here.
3
The Times can criticize the cops as much as it likes. This was a management crisis of DeBlasio's making and he has shown little interest in understanding and supporting to those who do arguably the hardest and most dangerous job in NYC's public sector. The cops aren't perfect but they deserve better than a fair weather friend in the mayors office.
8
Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg never had a police work slowdown because they had the good sense not to undermine their police force with thoughtless, anti- police rhetoric, then expect them to vigorously pursue their duties.
9
Cut their paychecks across the board commensurate with the level of their documented work activities. If that does not work then lock them out and replace them with new police officers. In the interim use federal officers.
10
Let's see if I have this right. The editorial suggests that the mayor ask the Justice Dept. to investigate if police inaction is a violation of the civil rights of minority neighborhoods. Previously, it has been alleged that over zealous police action was also a violation of civil rights. I look forward to the NYT determining just what the correct level of police actions in minority neighborhoods is.
24
I can't help feeling that some of the NYPD are reacting in favor of police brutality and are basically racist.There is no excuse for this sort of insurrection and lack of respect for civilian authority.
10
Based on what factual evidence?
2
Interesting that in all the editorials and TV comments about the sad and deplorable shootings of police officers we are not also including another important fact: these officers were GUNNED down. Again....guns everywhere, now even killing those charged with protecting us. I thought New York had some of the nation's strictest gun laws. What has happened to them?
3
The criminals are ignoring your New York strict gun laws. Where have you been for the last 20 years?
1
New York also has open borders with the rest of gun-crazy America. The murderer drove in from neighboring Pennsylvania.
5
Wasn't it just a few months ago that your articles, editorial board and opinion columnists condemned the NYPD Broken Windows policy (a quick Google search shows an article in December and one in July) and wanted the police to ignore/curb the amount summonses written for small/petty crimes and traffic violations.
Interesting now that it appears to be happening you protest the end result.
The police are still responding to serious crimes and felonies (as recently witnessed) that your editorial board deem acceptable for police intervention , I'm just interested in the sudden switch in beliefs and ideology that were previously expressed by the Times (I think I know the reason but please indulge me).
Interesting now that it appears to be happening you protest the end result.
The police are still responding to serious crimes and felonies (as recently witnessed) that your editorial board deem acceptable for police intervention , I'm just interested in the sudden switch in beliefs and ideology that were previously expressed by the Times (I think I know the reason but please indulge me).
15
The two highest profile civilian deaths were supposedly the outcome of cops policing for petty crimes so everyone wondered why the cops didn't just walk away (especially in the Garner case). Now the NYPD has stopped policing for petty crimes. Isn't that what liberals like those on the NYT editorial board want?
9
I hope both police officers in the car hood riding video will be fired!
10
Since 9/11 the NYPD has become increasingly militarized and now is falling prey to the threat to governments represented by militaries everywhere: they want to shrug off non-military control. This is how many coups d'etat begin. The NYT is right that the mayor should reassert civilian control over the police. Who will guard the guardians, indeed!
7
America's attention has been engaged on a long-term campaign to vilify public schools and public school teachers. The net effect will be that schools will be privatized, teacher unions (where they effectively exist) will be destroyed and, most importantly, teacher pensions will be gutted or eliminated.
The decades long campaign against the United States Post Office is near to fruition. The net effect will be that mail delivery will be privatized. Salaries and pensions to public postal workers will be eliminated.
The campaign against the police is taking the form of convincing the public that police routinely use violence against innocent citizens, always target people of color, and have become militarized and menacing.
The net effect is that we are always watching the hand waving the wand, while the other hand is crushing the rabbit. If you are a public employee, you have a target on your back. Private employees are already under control.
The decades long campaign against the United States Post Office is near to fruition. The net effect will be that mail delivery will be privatized. Salaries and pensions to public postal workers will be eliminated.
The campaign against the police is taking the form of convincing the public that police routinely use violence against innocent citizens, always target people of color, and have become militarized and menacing.
The net effect is that we are always watching the hand waving the wand, while the other hand is crushing the rabbit. If you are a public employee, you have a target on your back. Private employees are already under control.
7
What is your evidence that there is a long term campaign to vilify public school teachers, postal workers, etc?
As a union member in two locals, I want to know where the other unions stand. I would like the AFL-CIO and other umbrella organizations to step forward and tell the Police that they are on their own in this. I would like to see a mass march of other workers, unionized and not, marching in protest to this. Their refrain could be "Do your job or leave your job."
Talk about making a population detest unionism. I always say, the Koch brothers are wasting their money trying to destroy the unions. They should just sit back with caviar sprinkled popcorn and watch as unions destroy themselves. In the eyes of the people, and literally.
Talk about making a population detest unionism. I always say, the Koch brothers are wasting their money trying to destroy the unions. They should just sit back with caviar sprinkled popcorn and watch as unions destroy themselves. In the eyes of the people, and literally.
11
We thank them for doing a very hard job, however collusion and resistance are not the way to problem solve.
2
The Times Editorial Board continues to miss the point. In simple English, the Mayor fails to understand that his rhetoric (and that of Rev. Sharpton, AG Holder, and President Obama) inspires the crowds/demonstrators that NYPD (as one of this nation's largest municipal police forces) is out to kill people of color.
If the Mayor were truly serious about stopping the crisis, then he'd express some interest in determining the root causes of discontent in the minority communities. He would find that "Stop and Frisk" plus "Broken Windows" made a substantial difference. An estimated 75,000 young men of color are still alive as a result of these policies in NYC alone.
NYPD Commissioner Bratton may need to have "a Father and Son" discussion with the Mayor. The Mayor may not like what he hears, but at the same time, these matters may escalate if an intervention by the wise and experienced police commissioner does not occur. This Mayor seems to be boxed in by his dogma and that his decisions are made of the basis of his dogmatic belief that "the police are the problem."
If the Mayor were truly serious about stopping the crisis, then he'd express some interest in determining the root causes of discontent in the minority communities. He would find that "Stop and Frisk" plus "Broken Windows" made a substantial difference. An estimated 75,000 young men of color are still alive as a result of these policies in NYC alone.
NYPD Commissioner Bratton may need to have "a Father and Son" discussion with the Mayor. The Mayor may not like what he hears, but at the same time, these matters may escalate if an intervention by the wise and experienced police commissioner does not occur. This Mayor seems to be boxed in by his dogma and that his decisions are made of the basis of his dogmatic belief that "the police are the problem."
9
In reality the Times editorial board doesn't care about public employee union intransigence, a reduction in arrest statistics, etc. What they (rightfully) fear, is that the police protests are increasing, not tailing off, and appear to have awoken the 82% of NYC registered voters who did not vote for de Blasio (he received 73% of the 24% who voted, or 17.52% support), and made them realise that (a) he is manifestly unfit for the job, and that (b) the now-inevitable failure of this one-term mayor (assuming he makes it that far, not a given) assures, a la Dinkins, another two decades of Republican mayors.
6
Well said, NYT editorial board. Keep the pressure on.
10
Laws are laws. They are the basis of our culture. We agree on a set of rules and once the rules are written we agree to follow them, and our public servants (NYPD, President Obama) agree to enforce them. If anyone doesn't like the laws, there are plenty of avenues to correct them.
I agree with the article. We should expect the NYPD to enforce the law because it is their job, and they swore to do it upon taking their oaths.
That said, there is more than a little hypocrisy in that Obama has chosen to blatantly ignore our immigration laws, and the that sentiment is cheered by this same newspaper.
I agree with the article. We should expect the NYPD to enforce the law because it is their job, and they swore to do it upon taking their oaths.
That said, there is more than a little hypocrisy in that Obama has chosen to blatantly ignore our immigration laws, and the that sentiment is cheered by this same newspaper.
3
Elliot,
The law allows Obama to enforce immigration laws as he sees fit. No hypocrisy at all.
The law allows Obama to enforce immigration laws as he sees fit. No hypocrisy at all.
6
Perhaps, in Mr. de Blasio's rethinking of the "broken windows", he might want to consider not breaking windows himself.
de Blasio has brought his brand of insouciance to a table where such insouciance is highly counter-productive.
Better that the Mayor stand tall and state that his public remarks were out of line and sincerely apologize to the very people on whom he depends to assure that New York does not turn into a third-world war zone like happened in Detroit in the 1960's.
de Blasio has brought his brand of insouciance to a table where such insouciance is highly counter-productive.
Better that the Mayor stand tall and state that his public remarks were out of line and sincerely apologize to the very people on whom he depends to assure that New York does not turn into a third-world war zone like happened in Detroit in the 1960's.
7
Ever speak to an NYPD officer? It's like talking to Tony Soprano with a badge.
8
A 90% reduction in output is not a result of a job action? Silly.
5
There is not a slow down at the NYPD. They have simply redeployed their assets from revenue generating agents for the city to focus on crime reduction for its citizens. Summons activity are for violations and the police have always had discretion. That is until productivity goals, "quotas" continued to soar. Outpaced only by health care and tuition costs. They are not turning their backs on crime which is categorized as felonies or misdemeanors. These situations depending upon the circumstances are must arrests. This idea that officers are turning their backs to crime was dispelled by the 5 officers in the Bronx two nights ago who were changed and ready to go home. Safe and sound. Never forget that the police are a mere instrument for politicians to implement their agenda.
5
What I find laughable is the deep concern shown for law enforcement shown by the right (ie Fox News) regarding the NYPD/Eric Garner issue. A short while ago they were practically cheering Cliven Bundy and the wackos who rallied around him as they threatened to kill law enforcement officials.
9
Anyone selling blue shirts reading "Do Your Job"? I'd buy one.
8
As a 30-year police veteran who retired in 2002, I believe that Bill Bratton is the finest police commissioner we have had -- I liked Bob McGuire who served around 1980 and have the first Quality of Life patrol cars in Manhattan -- which were a tremendous success in the specific areas that about 20 cops and 4 sergeants worked. I liked Ben Ward who was much smarter than most cops and the public gave him credit for. But Bill Bratton is the best -- especially for these troubled and divisive times. Pat Lynch and the PBA had better back off or Bratton will have to act like President Ronald Reagan with the Air Traffiic Controllers Union. I think cops ought to think of voting for anyone who opposes Lynch in the PBA presidential election that is coming soon. Something is wrong with Lynch, and if it is only his upcoming election, vote him out.
10
As a NYC resident, I am very concerned about the escalation of this controversy by both left and right. While there were good reasins for peaceful protests after the Garner decision, hustler Al Sharpton should not have been brought in by De Blasio to "help". ( And I blame DA Donovan for not including a lesser charge for the grand jury to consider. In addition, why is there not more discussion of the EMTs who stood around and failed to help Garner when he was crying, "I can't breathe".)
I don't think De Blasio should "apologize". Would Rudy ever have apologized for anything? And I don't think tbe police should be fired either. It's really a shame tbat there are no moderate voices .speaking out.
I don't think De Blasio should "apologize". Would Rudy ever have apologized for anything? And I don't think tbe police should be fired either. It's really a shame tbat there are no moderate voices .speaking out.
7
"The Finest" should be ashamed of themselves for showing disrespect to their bosses while on duty in uniform. They should not do politics and childish behavior wearing uniform in mourning services for the fellow fallen officers. Police job is not easy and we all know and appreciate their hard and risky jobs. I can not believe that somebody had to die for illegal selling of cigarettes and when Eric Garner was crying that he could not breathe, he should had been spared. The American people are tired of labor unions and I can not blame them. If any government employee slows down their work on duty for political or any reason, action should be taken. Finally I have great respect for the NYPD and they do the hardest job in the country and they are the finest. They should refrain themselves from doing silly thing.
6
DeBlasio needs to do one thing, and one thing only: APOLOGIZE. He stuffed every cop in the NYPD into one racist category when he spoke about warning his son about dealing with the police. My entire family and many of my friends are NYPD, NCPD or SCPD, and I have already begun to tell my children that officers are to be treated with respect, and are not to be defied, whether they think the officers are right or not. DeBlasio threw the NYPD under the bus; all they are doing is returning the favor.
7
The NYPD threw themselves under the bus. Everyone of those pouting officers who disrespected the mayor (and NYC) should be fired. Today. Now. No discussion.
12
Can we occupy Wall Street again now that the "protectors" are gone?
10
This editorial states that Mayor de Blasio “found his voice” on Monday. On the contrary: Mayor de Blasio actually continued his gallant campaign to set new standards for political oafishness. He says he can’t understand how the police could turn their backs on him at the funerals for shot officers. Fine. I take the mayor at his word when he says doesn’t know that going on TV and saying how he teaches his son to scared of the police, teaming with Rev. Sharpton, and not denouncing violent protesters who chant “we want dead cops” are things that the NYPD would not like. It is crushingly obvious why the cops do not like him. But apparently he just can’t figure that out. So be it.
11
I listened to a radio interview with Patrick Lynch of the NYPD yesterday. This was a perfect opportunity for him to explain that the "protest" actions of the police at the funerals of his colleagues constituted acceptable behavior.
He continued to claim that this action was acceptable and not "disrespectful" to the friends and families if the fallen officers.
Really??
He continued to claim that this action was acceptable and not "disrespectful" to the friends and families if the fallen officers.
Really??
9
You get the government you elect. de Blasio has proven so far to be an utter disaster for New York.
5
You are a very silly man.
7
That's not true. 72% percent of us voted for him, and are still with him in the controversy. The police are paid by NYC taxpayers and need to work for what we pay them. Let them come to the table with their issues during union negotiations. And, by the way, I'm a NYC native and I am pro-union and my grandfather was a NYC detective.
11
De Blasio could always apologize for using the Garner press conference to talk about the danger the NYPD poses to his son. That might be a good first step toward de-escalating the conflict.
He is, after all, the mayor of NYC and not a civil rights activist.
He is, after all, the mayor of NYC and not a civil rights activist.
4
A second, scathing scolding of our working class police officers from the editorial board sitting comfortably in their warm and safe NYT offices. Oh how I wish to read such wrath against the true oppressors of the underprivileged who are ruining our city - be they the bankers, landlords, real estate developers, or politicians. Say what you will about the union leaders, but the board lets the mayor off too easily. He has been tone deaf from day one in dealings with the NYPD beginning with the Noerdlinger debacle. When there is a mutiny, the leader is more to blame than the demoralized and utterly spent people reacting to daily attacks from all sides.
7
The police exist to serve the community but when a community stereotypes police as all racist, violence loving sociopaths the police are going to resent that community. When police act badly or incompetently, public officials must see that it is remedied, but when public officials join in denigrating the honor of police generally to satisfy constituents with complaints, they become part of the problem because they make themselves adversaries instead of problem solvers. That is what the Mayor did with respect to the police and his back pedaling and apologies are not enough. He needs to advocate for the police in the communities which have complaints as well as to respond to their complaints.
8
The Editorial is a bit strident. The Police do represent Society and alas, all its imperfections. The Stop and Frisk Procedure, under NYS State Law is used by the trained law enforcement professional when reasonably suspecting a crime is or is about to take place in a Public Place. It is an effective tool yet one that is inherently subjective given the imperative of reasonable rather than mere suspicion rooted in the experience and articulation of reasonable elements suggesting its needed use . There is no Frisk allowed unless the Officer fears for his safety. Laws of course can be imperfect, their operation in the field can also be imperfect yet the science of disparate impact that in itself tends to condemn such interactions is itself statistically manipulative seeking reasonable and fair social goals notwithstanding the imperfect conclusions that suggest Law Enforcement misuse of the procedure. No one but the criminal wins in any case and Society and its representative, the Police Officer does greatly lose. One should expect an inverse relationship between Increased crime and Lowering of this procedures use. Lowering of Pollce Interactions of all Types is not a good thing but understandable given the current atmosphere of recrimination regarding Police Conduct. Let all statistics speak loudly to us in the future and give pause perhaps to the belittlement of our representatives of Law and Order.
1
Like our president, policemen have an obligation to uphold the laws. But just like the president, policemen have a discretion in how they do this. When president decided to ignore the immigration law and gave amnesty to millions of illegal aliens, he supposedly used this discretion. Now the policemen are doing same thing in NYC. Honestly, I expected this.
3
Do policemen present their political views before getting elected?
4
Good article..something worth commenting on.
The officers who feel it is okay to be insubordinate are extremely disrespectfully, not wanting to do their jobs is only wasting my and every other hard working tax payer dollars; they should be replaced immediate w/out second thought.
This is a perfect example of the bad apples that are embedded within our justice system. Apology or no apology from our mayor Mr. de Blasio, they are public workers and swore an oath to serve and protect the citizens of New York. In my eyes these officers are no better than those who break the law, but in this case they get away with because they see themselves above the law.
The officers who feel it is okay to be insubordinate are extremely disrespectfully, not wanting to do their jobs is only wasting my and every other hard working tax payer dollars; they should be replaced immediate w/out second thought.
This is a perfect example of the bad apples that are embedded within our justice system. Apology or no apology from our mayor Mr. de Blasio, they are public workers and swore an oath to serve and protect the citizens of New York. In my eyes these officers are no better than those who break the law, but in this case they get away with because they see themselves above the law.
9
From the outside looking in, this appears to be a problem largely of de Blasio's making. He campaigned for mayor as an opponent of the NYPD's street tactics, which is consistent of the liberal coda of blaming the police, rather getting to the root of the problem- crime. de Blasio aligns himself with the likes of Sharpton, who with the support of the NY Times editorial staff, fans the flames of racial tension. I'm not a cop but I know those who are, and its a tough, tough job, with little reward other than the virtue of protecting the public. I find it hard to believe that in an enlightened, liberal city like New York, that there is an inherent racial bias in the police force - this is not Mississippi in the 1960's
5
Why the grousing about how Mr. Blasio doesn't "support" the NYPD? What does that organization expect? Carte blanche permission to do anything it wants to? Holding the law enforcement community to a high standard is not a criticism, but it IS a reasonable expectation, given that law enforcement is supposed to uphold the law. It seems to me that the NYPD works for the People, not themselves as an organization. It would appear that, by its own actions, the NYPD is expecting to be answerable to NO ONE.
As an eight-year veteran of the US Navy, I didn't always like, much less respect, the people in my chain-of-command. However, it was part of my sworn duty to show the proper level of respect and courtesies to those to whom I was a subordinate in the chain. The officers in the NYPD who think they are too good to show the proper respect to their superiors in the chain-of-command (and yes, this includes your Mayor) should be fired. They are promoting the collapse of good order in the community and they are not working for the public good.
Frankly - grow up, guys.
As an eight-year veteran of the US Navy, I didn't always like, much less respect, the people in my chain-of-command. However, it was part of my sworn duty to show the proper level of respect and courtesies to those to whom I was a subordinate in the chain. The officers in the NYPD who think they are too good to show the proper respect to their superiors in the chain-of-command (and yes, this includes your Mayor) should be fired. They are promoting the collapse of good order in the community and they are not working for the public good.
Frankly - grow up, guys.
15
"If Mr. de Blasio’s critics are right and the city is coming unglued, it is not because of what he has done... because he promised action on police reform..."
If it's his job to reform the police, then it's his job for managing that reform and the reaction. He has mismanaged it greatly and should accept that portion of the blame.
If it's his job to reform the police, then it's his job for managing that reform and the reaction. He has mismanaged it greatly and should accept that portion of the blame.
3
What the editorial board fails to realize is the NYPD has been without a contract for about five years but haven't broken the Taylor law by going on strike.
Can you imagine what would happen if The Newspaper Guild of New York hadn't a contract for five years? I'd venture a guess that we would not be reading any editorial from The NY Times because they'd be out of business.
Can you imagine what would happen if The Newspaper Guild of New York hadn't a contract for five years? I'd venture a guess that we would not be reading any editorial from The NY Times because they'd be out of business.
2
Philipe,
Nothwithstanding the contract, in the meantime doesn't it make eminent sense to expect that New York's so-called "Finest" do their jobs?
Nothwithstanding the contract, in the meantime doesn't it make eminent sense to expect that New York's so-called "Finest" do their jobs?
5
The problem with the popularized narratives at work is that they mash competing interests, ideals, and experiences together into goals that are detached from reality. To that end, the police unions, activists, the editorial board - they want to talk and to demand, they don't really want a dialogue where they have to listen too.
2
I can’t help but see a parallel between how the NYPD is acting and the behavior of the GOP nationally. Perhaps the common denominator is conservatives not liking the election of a progressive political candidate and a subsequent desire to undermine that authority, and then blame the mess on the mayor or president. You can’t break it and then complain it is broken…at least you shouldn’t be able to. The GOP appears to have used its powerful spin machine to outFOX the public. Let’s see if they get away with it in NYC. The Times does the right thing by calling out the members of the police force that seem to believe that allowing laws to be broken will demonstrate how important they are to the city, rather than undermining the city they are sworn to serve and protect.
9
Let's not forget the reaction to the labor reforms introduced in Wisconsin by a Republican governor. NYPD is simply following the script written by the unions in Wisconsin.
It is the mayor who has created this conundrum and only he can clear the air. The mayor doesn't have to renounce his relationship with Sharpton but he must take an individual personal initiative to sit down face to face with as many rank and file NYPD as he can and explain his position and how he needs them to behave within the standards and practises of the NYPD. This not a political game being played out. The bigs have to understand how the little people react and feel when threatened.
2
"how he needs them to behave within the standards and practises of the NYPD." Why should anyone have to explain to professionals the need for them to act like professionals?
4
The disrespect that is being shown to the Mayor is a reflection of the disrespect that the police have shown to people of color. When a father has to lecture his son on how to be careful of his behavior with a cop, his lecture is based on proven facts.
Of course most cops are doing their jobs extremely well under very difficult situations, but we cannot ignore the wrong that some of them have done. The union representing policemen are not doing their best at this time. The office of the Mayor of the City of NY deserves respect.
Of course most cops are doing their jobs extremely well under very difficult situations, but we cannot ignore the wrong that some of them have done. The union representing policemen are not doing their best at this time. The office of the Mayor of the City of NY deserves respect.
6
So what is everyone about complaining now??? You're getting what you wanted--the cops are making fewer arrests and they're not writing as many tickets for those annoying "quality of life" violations that civilians find so inconvenient. The cops just won't be there when you need them. It's going to be every man for himself from now on. Good luck with that one.
2
How is this different than President Obama declining to enforce certain laws regarding drug charges (prosecutorial discretion)? Further, as was recently debated in these pages regarding Constitutional Limits of Presidential Action on Immigration, the Executive's decision to not prosecute illegal aliens? All are analogous to the NYPD deciding which laws they should be enforcing. Although the topics of drugs, immigration, and Broken Window policing are completely different, the question is the same: what degree of enforcement is acceptable? If the Times agrees with President Obama's lack of enforcement, then the Times must also agree with the NYPD. To not do so would be hypocritical.
3
Here's how it's different: Obama, like de Blasio, was democratically elected to make executive decisions and to make policy. The police are hired -- not elected -- to carry out those policies.
6
Do NYPD run for office?
5
The NYPD, like cops everywhere, don't like to have their "license to kill" or the powers of their police unions challenged. They much prefer the status quo, which means that when one of their members tells a member of the public to do something, that civilian has .01 seconds to comply before the beatings begin. Show me a man who isn't afraid of the police and I'll show you a fool.
The police everywhere are woefully trained in when to use their weapons and how to deal with the public, especially the mentally ill. The police everywhere too often see themselves as part of a military outfit and the public are their enemy. As Brendan Behan once said, "I've never seen a situation so dismal that a policeman couldn't make it worse."
The police everywhere are woefully trained in when to use their weapons and how to deal with the public, especially the mentally ill. The police everywhere too often see themselves as part of a military outfit and the public are their enemy. As Brendan Behan once said, "I've never seen a situation so dismal that a policeman couldn't make it worse."
8
In DC, the GOP shows itself prepared to sacrifice America to their own political wishes. In state houses, GOP governors attack voting rights and women's reproductive rights. In NYC, conservative cops, and conservative Lynch, and conservative supporters across the city and the country show they will jettison any principal and all rationality to attack a Democratic mayor.
3
Are there any cops reading these comments who don't understand that many responsible civilians have lost respect for the NYPD? Indeed, many of us want you cops fired....the longer your insubordination and selfish behavior continues, the more you hurt yourselves.
11
Is there any action that a police officer might take that would not be supported by the PBA? When our armed forces mistakenly kill civilians rather than, say, jihadists, US policy is to investigate and try to repair the mechanisms that led to the errors. Yet when a police officer kills an unarmed civilian who, for example, was selling loose cigarettes, and the Mayor suggests trying to repair the mechanisms leading to the death, the NYPD seems to regard this as a hostile act on the Mayor's part. Does our military set a higher bar for themselves than the NYPD?
6
You are right. The city got the Mayor it wanted and now lives with the consequences. You want to know where the police are? All over the city trying to manage protestors. Both sides here are guilty of raising the stakes and it's outrageous that the editorial board places all the blame on the police. If anything the Mayor has the ability to fix this. A good leader would fix this.
3
This editorial references a very thoughtful article about "Broken Windows" that was just published by Bill Bratton---but it says nothing more about the article other than it's an, "impassioned defense of that strategy as an essential crime-fighting tool".
Yet later on this editorial says, without any intellectual basis or reference to data, that Broken Windows needs "rethinking".
I'm very disappointed that the NYT editors seem to have no interest whatsoever in the outlook of the the City's Police Commissioner. Moreover, Mayor deBlasio is also a proponent of the strategy but this isn't even mentioned.
I'm glad the NYT provided a link to the article but, in the future, I hope they will take the time to provide readers with a more in-depth analysis. It'd also be helpful if the NYT would do a series of articles about the real-world "quality-of-life" enforcement issues that arise in our varied NYC neighborhoods. One of the things Bratton says is that he wishes opponents of Broken Windows would attend community meetings, where residents request such enforcement. I think the NYT Editorial Board members should each go to some of these meetings over the next few months. I also think the NYT should send some reporters to a variety of neighborhoods & ask random people who live there what they think. They may have a vastly different view than some of the protesters, especially the protestors who don't even live in lower-income, minority neighborhoods.
Yet later on this editorial says, without any intellectual basis or reference to data, that Broken Windows needs "rethinking".
I'm very disappointed that the NYT editors seem to have no interest whatsoever in the outlook of the the City's Police Commissioner. Moreover, Mayor deBlasio is also a proponent of the strategy but this isn't even mentioned.
I'm glad the NYT provided a link to the article but, in the future, I hope they will take the time to provide readers with a more in-depth analysis. It'd also be helpful if the NYT would do a series of articles about the real-world "quality-of-life" enforcement issues that arise in our varied NYC neighborhoods. One of the things Bratton says is that he wishes opponents of Broken Windows would attend community meetings, where residents request such enforcement. I think the NYT Editorial Board members should each go to some of these meetings over the next few months. I also think the NYT should send some reporters to a variety of neighborhoods & ask random people who live there what they think. They may have a vastly different view than some of the protesters, especially the protestors who don't even live in lower-income, minority neighborhoods.
6
I am not a huge fan of Ronald Reagan, but in this case DeBlasio should emulate him and fire every one of those petulant, disrespectful and arrogant police officers who turn their backs on an elected mayor and turn funerals into political grandstanding.
Those cops are lucky to have those very well paid jobs, and if the mayor fired a few dozen - or few hundred - of them, there would be a thousand men and women lining up for their jobs the next morning. Cops are supposed to be part of the social order, not the tear in the fabric. There is NO excuse for this childish tantrum.
As for Bratton, he seems terrified of his own men and unwilling to stand up and take charge. His department is out of control - it seems usually to be - and if he is unable to control his officers he should be gone, as should every one of those disrespectful and negligent cops. Fire them. Today. No excuses. No severance. Just gone. NOW.
Those cops are lucky to have those very well paid jobs, and if the mayor fired a few dozen - or few hundred - of them, there would be a thousand men and women lining up for their jobs the next morning. Cops are supposed to be part of the social order, not the tear in the fabric. There is NO excuse for this childish tantrum.
As for Bratton, he seems terrified of his own men and unwilling to stand up and take charge. His department is out of control - it seems usually to be - and if he is unable to control his officers he should be gone, as should every one of those disrespectful and negligent cops. Fire them. Today. No excuses. No severance. Just gone. NOW.
11
The NYTs, deBlasio and many commenters obviously don't use social media and are quite sheltered.
Get out of your bubbles and get on twitter. Start by using hashtag ferguson, and go from there. I don't support cops unconditionally, and was once harassed to a point I wanted to call 911 on the cop. I also believe young black males are stereotyped.
However, what's going on now is dangerous, and the two cops who were executed in NYC came as no surprise to those of us who live in the real world.
The cops are afraid to do their jobs in this environment. I don't blame them. You shouldn't either. This paper's time would be better spent educating themselves and reporting on what's really going on versus playing politics. This city doesn't revolve around deBlasio, Lynch and Bratton, and this paper needs to get into the real world where the rest of us live-including our majority minority police force.
Get out of your bubbles and get on twitter. Start by using hashtag ferguson, and go from there. I don't support cops unconditionally, and was once harassed to a point I wanted to call 911 on the cop. I also believe young black males are stereotyped.
However, what's going on now is dangerous, and the two cops who were executed in NYC came as no surprise to those of us who live in the real world.
The cops are afraid to do their jobs in this environment. I don't blame them. You shouldn't either. This paper's time would be better spent educating themselves and reporting on what's really going on versus playing politics. This city doesn't revolve around deBlasio, Lynch and Bratton, and this paper needs to get into the real world where the rest of us live-including our majority minority police force.
2
Everybody ! Wait a minute! You're looking at this situation in the totally wrong context. It has nothing to do with loosies on Staten Island. It has nothing to do with demonstrations. It has everything to do with Pat Lynch, the PBA, and contract negotiations.
The PBA has been without a contract for 5 years. Pat Lynch is under great pressure from the rank and file to negotiate a pay raise going back 5 years. The mayor is taking a hard line in negotiations, which are at an impasse.
It's all sleight of hand. Lynch wants to keep his job. He wants the pressure off of him and onto the Mayor. This is a union contract dispute, plain and simple. The rest is all window dressing.
The PBA has been without a contract for 5 years. Pat Lynch is under great pressure from the rank and file to negotiate a pay raise going back 5 years. The mayor is taking a hard line in negotiations, which are at an impasse.
It's all sleight of hand. Lynch wants to keep his job. He wants the pressure off of him and onto the Mayor. This is a union contract dispute, plain and simple. The rest is all window dressing.
3
The Mayor has discredited himself. He has NO ONE to blame for what is now a city in full decline but himself. He has sided with criminals and those who want to see anarchy instead of the people who put themselves in harm's way everday to protect the people of this city.
So, don't blame groups that are not even associated with this debacle. The blame is squarely at the feet of the mayor, should the cops be more respectful of him? Respect is earned, not demanded, his behavior is abysmal.
Of course this is what you get when you elect a person who has no experience in any meaningful job with any meaninful responsibility.
So, don't blame groups that are not even associated with this debacle. The blame is squarely at the feet of the mayor, should the cops be more respectful of him? Respect is earned, not demanded, his behavior is abysmal.
Of course this is what you get when you elect a person who has no experience in any meaningful job with any meaninful responsibility.
4
I am frankly not surprised by the New York Times editorial No Justice, No Police! It should be made clear that Mayor De Blasio won the election by 28% of the lowest voter turnout. Further proof that the citizens of New York City are apathetic at best. Both sides should take a long look in the mirror. Neither side is guilty or innocent. Both sides have contributed to this existing debacle. Put away your tape measures. The denizens of NYC don't care who has the biggest one. WE WANT THIS SETTLED NOW! Stop believing your own PR!
1
Settled how, exactly? It seems the only way it CAN be settled is if the police decide to stop acting like brats and do their jobs that the taxpayers pay them to do. Otherwise what would you propose? Presumably by the tone of your comment it would be for de Blasio to do something, and what exactly would that be?
3
Do you think the NYPD realize how much public support they are losing every day?
Even if they stay, the public won't forgive them for a long time and this will be evident in their pay and benefits amongst other societal pressures.
Even if they stay, the public won't forgive them for a long time and this will be evident in their pay and benefits amongst other societal pressures.
13
Interesting, how conservative police politicians do not seem to have a problem with Democrat politicians when right-wing cop killers slaughter police officers ---like the two Tea Party supporters of Mr. Bundy, who left his ranch to murder two Las Vegas cops, or the bible-toting "survivalist" who gunned down two Pennsylvania State Police officers.
6
Just like any person hired to do their job, Police are required to do theirs. If you don't, then the person/authority who hired you, has every right to fire you from your job. This is what happens in every line of work. The mayor is their ultimate boss and the police need to know that and follow that. It is time for the mayor to take action and start firing police.
9
Of course, police work is very dangerous. After December 20 and murder of a policeman with protests against police, everything that concerns police is very politicized. In my opinion now the slope is in other direction. It would be logical if Washington acknowledged systemic failures in the police system and need for reform of it. Instead, police is given light weight cameras or arming its military arsenal... WHY???
The cops are out of control. They give no respect so they deserve none. Next time I see on when I am in the city I will tell him so.
9
Well, I agree with you, but I'd advise not approaching them to tell them anything because they are dangerous and volatile and, as we are all reminded so dramatically, also above the law. So you would be taking quite a risk.
7
The cops need to get back on the beat and on the job, but a lot of other people need to publicly apologize to the cops for demonizing them.
The New York Times editorial writers for example. They recklessly poured gasoline on the flames when they editorialized that "many police officers see black men as expendable figures on the urban landscape, not quite human beings".
With calumnies like this heaped on them, no wonder the cops feel abandoned and betrayed.
The Times should lead the way to healing these wounds by making a public disavowal of this charge.
The New York Times editorial writers for example. They recklessly poured gasoline on the flames when they editorialized that "many police officers see black men as expendable figures on the urban landscape, not quite human beings".
With calumnies like this heaped on them, no wonder the cops feel abandoned and betrayed.
The Times should lead the way to healing these wounds by making a public disavowal of this charge.
5
I think it's tragic that saying police shouldn't gun down innocent civilians is seen as being "anti police." It is, at least, amusing to see the Fox News crowd line up in support of a union. A government union at that.
7
Perspective is lost amid the pivots and Right-wing talking points. Just over a hundred years ago NYC saw vicious draft riots. Starting as a rejection of the draft, which could be dodged by anyone with $300, it morphed into race riots, during which Irish rioters killed Blacks. Then the Irish joined the police.
3
I'm a Union man, but I say suspend them all, each one who does not carry out his/her responsibilities. This is a disgrace. The mayor or his policies had nothing to do with the killing by a madman of those two cops. Grow up and do you jobs!
9
It is o.k. in the eyes of Mr. de Blasio for people to protest against the police in the most violent of matters but how dare the police protest about there boss throwing them under the bus. How hypocritical is that? Ridiculous in so many ways. The Mayor has created a very dangerous work environment for the police and he has yet to publically apologize and publically criticize some of these protestors who are encouraging violence against police and creating havoc with hatred targeting white people. Until Mayor de Blasio makes it very clear what side of the fence he is on then I support the police in every way. Why would you risk your life and or reputation for a boss that clearly does not have your best interest. Now that would be crazy.
3
Turning the over-response of the police into mainly a racial issue and lumping distinct cases together, as the NYT editorials keep doing, is a big part of the problem.
However, all pale in comparison with the idiotic and unlawful actions of the NYPD group leaded by Mr. Lynch. They have made very strong the argument that the NYPD is in dire need of reform and pruning.
However, all pale in comparison with the idiotic and unlawful actions of the NYPD group leaded by Mr. Lynch. They have made very strong the argument that the NYPD is in dire need of reform and pruning.
6
I have lost every shred of respect that I once had for the NYPD.
4
"... already forces of entropy are roaming the streets."
"escalation of a war" "A video emerged this week"
Sounds like overwrought high school journalism to me.
"escalation of a war" "A video emerged this week"
Sounds like overwrought high school journalism to me.
2
Mayor de Blasio's remarks and comments regarding Mr. Gardner created the atmosphere for this. I don't agree with what the police are doing but really, is Mr. de Blasio so naive as to think there was not going to be repercussions with his take on policing?
It is up to him to fix this. Meet with the police, not just appointed leadership. Get out there and rebuild trust with them.
It is up to him to fix this. Meet with the police, not just appointed leadership. Get out there and rebuild trust with them.
1
This editorial would be hillarious if it wasn't so sad. Replace a force of 35K officers, professionals who made NYC the safest major city in the nation - with who?? Who wants this job? And if DeBlasio even tries to plug the force with some mall cops he can scrape together, while crime goes through the roof, what next? Lets face it, DeBlasio is in serious trouble. He is a CEO who has lost the respect and control of his most important employees. It really doesn't matter who's boss, or what DeBlasio's margin of victory was (with record low turnout and some of the weakest opposition in memory). If history is any judge, NYers have no patience for the crime and chaos of the old days and DeBlasio's voter base is far too small to withstand that. In fact any significant crime rise would unite and awaken the Giuliani and Bloomberg Democrats of this city. As would budget problems that are two years down the road after the Bloomberg budget surplus dries up and DeBlaio can no longer toss taxpayer money around the way he is doing now.
Having said this, I am a NYer ...and would hate for this to happen to the city I love. If DeBlasio could moderate just a little, make amends with the police and stop pandering to his base (including this left wing NYT Editorial Board), we would all be better off for it.
Having said this, I am a NYer ...and would hate for this to happen to the city I love. If DeBlasio could moderate just a little, make amends with the police and stop pandering to his base (including this left wing NYT Editorial Board), we would all be better off for it.
3
Ronald Reagan had no problem firing all the air traffic controllers. "Who wants this job?" Truman had no problem dispatching the sacred war hero Douglas MacArthur for his disrespect. "Replace him? With whom?" In a city of 10 million people, 35,000 out of control, mutinous cops who aren't even doing their jobs could be replaced easily. They seem to be daring the Mayor to fire them. He should do it.
5
It amazes me that in two weeks time...the police and their unions have managed to turn the conversation from police brutality to some twisted version of the truth where they are the victims....this is nuts. One is pushed to the limits of credulity when forced to consider that our police will be insubordinate “en mass” because we insist that they STOP KILLING US!
When two police officers are killed we are all supposed to stop everything! Yet they don’t even bother to keep statistics on how many civilians are killed by police annually, guilty or otherwise, and they threw a tantrum fit when asked to stop the aggressive policing.
The real problem is that these guys honestly believe that there is no problem.
When two police officers are killed we are all supposed to stop everything! Yet they don’t even bother to keep statistics on how many civilians are killed by police annually, guilty or otherwise, and they threw a tantrum fit when asked to stop the aggressive policing.
The real problem is that these guys honestly believe that there is no problem.
8
As a New Yorker who has lived in several other major cities, I can assure you that police everywhere enjoy the respect of their communities because of their dedicated service to the community. By disrespecting the families who lost their loved ones in that tragic shooting and the service of their fellow officers, some in the NYPD chose to disgrace themselves and their uniform. Whichever leader thinks that attitude, action, and display of disrespect is valuable, lacks the maturity and judgment to serve. Now, across this nation, the NYPD has lost some of its heralded status and, worse, compromised the trust of the citizens they serve, who now wonder if their are rogue elements within the force that endanger everyone. Personal discipline is essential to being an excellent policemen and some appear to lack that trait. Its time for the professionals in the NYPD to use peer pressure to insist on professional behavior from their colleagues. Until that happens, a few continue to damage the entire police force. And that's a national disgrace!
4
The self-absorbed and selfish head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association and his misguided followers harm much more than their city, police force, and union. By their insubordination and irresponsibility they harm the union movement as a whole.
Scott Walker and countless other ALEC lackeys now have the perfect argument in their war against labor: “Look at New York: unions do not deserve a place at the table; we told you so!”
The country is desperately in need of a strong union movement to protect the interests of all workers in today’s inequitable and unequal economy; but the actions of a privileged, self-pitying few, with well-paid, secure jobs do not take into account the needs of their often-less-privileged brothers and sisters.
It is no accident that in most countries where unions continue to be a strong voice for workers they have developed cooperative relationships with management, most notably Germany, where union representatives sit on the boards of directors of companies and thus have an understanding of the companies’ true financial positions and the competitive pressures they are under.
Scott Walker and countless other ALEC lackeys now have the perfect argument in their war against labor: “Look at New York: unions do not deserve a place at the table; we told you so!”
The country is desperately in need of a strong union movement to protect the interests of all workers in today’s inequitable and unequal economy; but the actions of a privileged, self-pitying few, with well-paid, secure jobs do not take into account the needs of their often-less-privileged brothers and sisters.
It is no accident that in most countries where unions continue to be a strong voice for workers they have developed cooperative relationships with management, most notably Germany, where union representatives sit on the boards of directors of companies and thus have an understanding of the companies’ true financial positions and the competitive pressures they are under.
8
Why this flavor of hysteria from the NYT, and total lack of contex (including a contract pending for only this one of several police unions, and how that affects internal politics)? The issue is surely not the lessening of parking tickets and street summonses....although it seems that both results, a feeling that maybe we don't need so many police doing those things, and a quick rise in new Yorkers willing to take advantage in our crowded space, may be happening. the issues of policy are the central ones: what changes in law enforcement policy and street practice take pressure off cops to end up in situations like Garner, and also increase a sense of justice possible and available in black and brown communities? Is there a possibility that the lead actors, once these funerals are past, and the contract settled, are not so far apart in their goals?? Editorial writers, please stop the shrilling and look to larger picture in the city at large. This is a delicate time, but there may be great opportunity.
3
AMEN! It is time police and other law enforcement officers across America understand they work for US. Mayor DeBlasio is the right man to take them on right now - starting with Patrick Lynch, the chief union rabblerouser. The vast majority of Americans realize we are in a near police state in many areas of America and do not like or want it. Go Get Em, Mayor DeBlasio!
12
Actually, they should all be fired and lose those cushy benefits. But, of course, we need the police to stop crime, direct traffic and help little old ladies cross the street. The two "officers" playing games with a police car in the video should be fired, period!! And, perhaps civilians could form a posse to take down any police officer loafing around while collecting his pay which comes right out of the pockets of those he's supposed to be protecting, in the form of taxes. In a way, this is frightening....
12
Would NYT advocate firing members of the teacher's union when they fail in their duties as defined by the editorial board? Are off duty police officers to be denied free speech and even the right to face forward or backward? And please the last paragraph is a childish anecdote. Call in DOJ to settle a local labor dispute are you kidding? I really hope the mayor is too smart to take your advice.
7
and if thousands of teachers showed up for work but refused to teach, would you advocate letting them get away with it?
4
I have made this comment before; what exactly is the end run here for the head of police union? Does he think Rush Limbaugh will run him for Mayor? Fox News will pay him as a talking head? Does he think de Blasio will just leave the cops alone now since they have shown him how powerful they are? The lack of foresight by the union & NYPD perfectly reveals the unchecked arrogance protesters' decry. This only ends one way Mr. Police Union Head; the force looses public respect and de Blasio gets his hands all over your department. In Detroit, we would say "you got not no game".
7
I think as a practical matter, Times Editorial Board, you can't cite steadily decreasing crime rates over the past several years and the failure of police policy in the same article. The result is absurd.
4
Not a very compelling article or arguments.
5
It is now only a matter of time before New York loses its public unions because of this absurdly unprofessional police behavior. The NYPD has done all the footwork for the Republicans - who now is unpersuaded that the police have too much job security?
7
Here's what Bratton - not DiBlasio, it's Bratton's job - should do:
Step 1: Fire Patrick Lynch from his NYPD job - which is well under 50% of his total compensation, the remainder coming from his role as the head of the union - for insubordination and inciting mass revolt. If union rules are a problem, bust him down to patrolman and stick him in some sort of Siberia role on the graveyard shift. No one who behaves in as publicly selfish a fashion should have a high-profile job in civil service.
Step 2: Come down appropriately hard on cops who have acted out. For example, the bozo riding around on the police cruiser shouldn't get a dime of on-the-job compensation for his self-inflicted injuries. It would be a travesty to give him a dime of taxpayer money.
Step 3: Create a civilian board to handle complaints against cops, and do whatever else makes sense to institutionalize accountability and responsiveness in the NYPD.
Step 4: Promote or otherwise reward the cops who demonstrate leadership and ethics. Basically, use advancement to change the culture of the organization.
Bottom line: Rein in the bad actors, reward the good ones, and make it clear that respect for the badge is an absolute condition of employment and success in the department.
Step 1: Fire Patrick Lynch from his NYPD job - which is well under 50% of his total compensation, the remainder coming from his role as the head of the union - for insubordination and inciting mass revolt. If union rules are a problem, bust him down to patrolman and stick him in some sort of Siberia role on the graveyard shift. No one who behaves in as publicly selfish a fashion should have a high-profile job in civil service.
Step 2: Come down appropriately hard on cops who have acted out. For example, the bozo riding around on the police cruiser shouldn't get a dime of on-the-job compensation for his self-inflicted injuries. It would be a travesty to give him a dime of taxpayer money.
Step 3: Create a civilian board to handle complaints against cops, and do whatever else makes sense to institutionalize accountability and responsiveness in the NYPD.
Step 4: Promote or otherwise reward the cops who demonstrate leadership and ethics. Basically, use advancement to change the culture of the organization.
Bottom line: Rein in the bad actors, reward the good ones, and make it clear that respect for the badge is an absolute condition of employment and success in the department.
13
The forces response to grievances makes them increasingly look like clowns.
11
It's really a thrill that I never thought I'd see in my lifetime: the Times squaring off against a group of "workers" and a union. It's always good to see what's behind the curtain.
3
This might be an appropriate time to reacquaint yourself with the concepts of CONTEXT and NUANCE.
3
Sounds like a great place for the 2016 convention. Brings back memories of Chicago, 1968.
They took an oath to protect and serve the community.
Think Air Traffic Controllers and Ronald Reagan.
Think Air Traffic Controllers and Ronald Reagan.
7
One tourist's view:
The last few years we have been visiting NYC for a week prior to Christmas, seeing plays, visiting tourist sites, spending money, and generally having loads of fun while freezing. We've regularly stayed in hotels in Times Square, enjoying the energy, and eaten in the great restaurants between there and the Hudson (not to mention the Carnegie Deli).
This year we took a long look at the chaos the city is now experiencing ... including in our Times Square "front yard" ... with the police response and decided to vacation in Ft. Lauderdale and lay on the beach. The food wasn't nearly as good, but it was ever so much calmer.
Admittedly, we're just one tourist family, but I suspect there may be others who made similar decisions.
The last few years we have been visiting NYC for a week prior to Christmas, seeing plays, visiting tourist sites, spending money, and generally having loads of fun while freezing. We've regularly stayed in hotels in Times Square, enjoying the energy, and eaten in the great restaurants between there and the Hudson (not to mention the Carnegie Deli).
This year we took a long look at the chaos the city is now experiencing ... including in our Times Square "front yard" ... with the police response and decided to vacation in Ft. Lauderdale and lay on the beach. The food wasn't nearly as good, but it was ever so much calmer.
Admittedly, we're just one tourist family, but I suspect there may be others who made similar decisions.
9
A few months back I wrote a comment about a member of NYPD who took in the daughter of a crime victim and adopted her. It seemed that a more humane face was being placed on the cops, a something I could cling to that times were getting better and I could drop my caution as excessive and unwarranted.
I'm sorry to say I'm back to square one. NYPD IS arrogant for the most part and more than willing to use the exact tactics and stances they deplore in others. Any group that would disrespect the funeral services of one of their own, refuses to do their sworn duty, thinks little of the rest of us. At this point, I, for one, would be content if de Blasio took a page out of Reagan's playbook and fired the lot of them. We still have a National Guard that could take their place until the mess is sorted out.
I'm sorry to say I'm back to square one. NYPD IS arrogant for the most part and more than willing to use the exact tactics and stances they deplore in others. Any group that would disrespect the funeral services of one of their own, refuses to do their sworn duty, thinks little of the rest of us. At this point, I, for one, would be content if de Blasio took a page out of Reagan's playbook and fired the lot of them. We still have a National Guard that could take their place until the mess is sorted out.
7
The police are an occupying force especially in poor minority neighborhoods. Remove them and peace will follow.
3
Al Sharpton is definitely anti-police, a close associate of De Blasio. They mayor is free to select his friends, but when he gives Sharpton an approved platform for his anti-police rhetoric, the police take notice.
6
Al Sharpton is anti-police ABUSE, not anti-police. That's not a subtle distinction.
5
Perhaps some police and their union leaders are confused: as a reminder, the police exist to serve the city, not the other way around.
9
Why aren't hearing more discussion about the true underlying reasons behind the current PBA "job action" - i.e.: that the union is using the current situation as a lever against the administration for a new contract?
3
The hypocrisy on this board is astounding. Two weeks ago, the majority of people were complaining about over policing. Now that they have it, and it's not enough. Last I checked, two police officers were just shot at and injured, responding to a call that they didn't have to. Elsewhere on the NYTimes, it is being reported that all 911 calls are being responded to. Clearly important job functions are being performed, while the "over policing" of small crimes, which is what the majority of the city wanted anyway is not. Isn't this what you all wanted?
7
The editorial hit the nail on the head. The blame lies with the police, not the Mayor.
5
Since we now know the average white teen with a joint or beer in a public place is told to move along while the average black teen is booked for the same , have the police decided to be more even handed in policing misdemeanors committed by minorities. To this, I say thank you! Zero tolerance for some was never a good policing strategy.
5
Perhaps if Mr. de Blasio agrees never to meet with Al Sharpton again it would be a good start. And he just can't stop. The disrespect shown by the officers was 100% directed toward him. Did you ever think it was possible that the families of the deceased police officers agreed with the disrespect?
3
It is time, it seems, to apply the 'broken windows' approach to the police department themselves. Perhaps some people need to be fired for small acts of disorder and disobedience, lest they invite bigger acts down the road.
My respect for NYPD and police officers goes down by the hour. Can't they maintain order without needlessly roughing up and killing unarmed civilians? Is that what they are trying to tell us? Is this the result of the policies of the last decades, which evidently have brought individuals into the force who actually do not have the right personality for this kind of work?
My respect for NYPD and police officers goes down by the hour. Can't they maintain order without needlessly roughing up and killing unarmed civilians? Is that what they are trying to tell us? Is this the result of the policies of the last decades, which evidently have brought individuals into the force who actually do not have the right personality for this kind of work?
10
Prediction: A spectacular or particularly gruesome crime will occur; the media and the public will tie the crime to the fact that the cops weren't around or failed to respond; and the resulting public outcry will force the NYPD to return to its previous methods. It could be something as simple as a car running a red light (with even more impunity than the usually do in this city) and killing a mother and her child in the crosswalk. And, the pendulum will swing again.
2
When the people who carry guns and are responsible for law enforcement show such disrespect for those elected to lead, nothing but bad will follow. Swift action should be taken to restore discipline - and respect.
7
starting salary for a cop in NYC is $41,000. On that measly amount, and in the most expensive city in the world, they're supposed to be able to build lives and families; and for that amount they put their lives on the line each day and get beaten up by this editorial board and others like it.
back in the 60s, another era of intense anti-cop sentiment, there was a saying. "Next time you get mugged call a hippie."
Here's an updated version. "Next time you get mugged call a protestor."
back in the 60s, another era of intense anti-cop sentiment, there was a saying. "Next time you get mugged call a hippie."
Here's an updated version. "Next time you get mugged call a protestor."
6
Then they should quit and find another job if they don't like the pay. Tired of all this whining.
5
Your comments imply that there is no good reason to ever criticize cops. That type of logic is incredibly dangerous. Facts remain: minority populations are unfairly and unjustly targeted by police all over this country. Numbers don't lie. The fact that cops respond to this very REAL criticism by behaving this way is a joke. No wonder cops who score too high on entrance exams are rejected: having people question authority and think for themselves is something that cops could never tolerate. Let's also not forget that cops and families of cops have the highest rates of domestic violence in the entire country. Perhaps there is a culture of violence that exists in ranks that you don't want to discuss.
I'm also kind of tired of the "they put their lives on the line for us." That's great, and I respect them immensely for that. But guess what? In high school I worked a lot harder than the future cops in my class did, and as a result, college and professional careers were an option for me. I'm not going to feel bad because the guy I know who was a meathead bully, who cursed at teachers and didn't take school seriously became a cop later in life. They get paid to do a job. Doing your stated job doesn't make you special or deserving of any special credit and I'm tired of pretending otherwise.
I'm also kind of tired of the "they put their lives on the line for us." That's great, and I respect them immensely for that. But guess what? In high school I worked a lot harder than the future cops in my class did, and as a result, college and professional careers were an option for me. I'm not going to feel bad because the guy I know who was a meathead bully, who cursed at teachers and didn't take school seriously became a cop later in life. They get paid to do a job. Doing your stated job doesn't make you special or deserving of any special credit and I'm tired of pretending otherwise.
5
Wondering, I am, just how many of NYC's finest ever read the NYT?
Perhaps if members of the Editorial Board went on "ride-alongs" y'all would somehow better understand the realities of "the job" and maybe even share a bit of empathy for LEOs.
Easy enough to criticize from within the Ivory Tower those with whom you share very little reality. Including ordinary citizens trying to keep a roof overhead and food on the table and kids' educational and emotional needs.
Yes, some cops are being publicly disrespectful to the families, to the commish and to the mayor. So no excuse on that.
But -- reality injection here -- very little of the NYT's news and editorial coverage bears true witness to what is reaility on the streets of NYC.
Perhaps if members of the Editorial Board went on "ride-alongs" y'all would somehow better understand the realities of "the job" and maybe even share a bit of empathy for LEOs.
Easy enough to criticize from within the Ivory Tower those with whom you share very little reality. Including ordinary citizens trying to keep a roof overhead and food on the table and kids' educational and emotional needs.
Yes, some cops are being publicly disrespectful to the families, to the commish and to the mayor. So no excuse on that.
But -- reality injection here -- very little of the NYT's news and editorial coverage bears true witness to what is reaility on the streets of NYC.
5
Maybe the police work slowdown is a blessing in disguise!
3
Remind them that traffic cops are a lot less important than air traffic controllers. When air traffic controllers had a work stoppage, Ronald Reagan showed them the door.
Perhaps it's time to treat cops like any employees who decide they don't want to do their job...show them the door, and send them back to Long Island, or Rockland County, or wherever these guys come from to "police" us.
There are plenty of young New Yorkers who would be happy to take the job, while the current crop of cops can fight over the crossing guard jobs in Suffolk County.
Perhaps it's time to treat cops like any employees who decide they don't want to do their job...show them the door, and send them back to Long Island, or Rockland County, or wherever these guys come from to "police" us.
There are plenty of young New Yorkers who would be happy to take the job, while the current crop of cops can fight over the crossing guard jobs in Suffolk County.
7
As long as cops have the time to arrest young black males for mere possession of pot there are too many cops. Fifty years ago they had the time to arrest otherwise peaceful citizens at gay bars. We need about half as many cops, focused on real crimes, not harassing minorities. Ending the failed "War on Drugs" would be a good start.
9
The racists, anarchists, liberals and politicians got what they wanted. With far less active policing, there will be less profiling, and far fewer opportunities for felons to resist arrest and make cops look bad. With fewer arrests, statistics for crimes committed will drop significantly, so it is a win-win situation for everyone. Cops will not have to stand trial for civil rights violations after putting their life on the line to arrest thugs in communities that want cops dead. Ethnic groups will be free from excessive force. Politicians and race mongers will have nothing to rage about. And crime rates will plummet. How is this bad ?
4
Patrick Lynch needs to be replaced as head of the PBA. His divisive leadership and rhetoric ignores the fact that racism is sometimes a factor in policing and that black men have suffered from it (Central Park Five, Abner Louima,..) All of us, even with the best intentions, have biases. We need to acknowledge how this affects our behaviors if we are going to effect change. This includes the police force, it includes corporate America and it includes our neighborhoods. All Mayor DeBlasio did was describe how he worries about his son and express dismay at the lack of an indictment in the Eric Garner case (as did other legal professionals). He's a human being, and as leader of the city he is right to speak out. I have lost confidence in the NYPD because of the disrespect they have shown Mayor DeBlasio and the entire city's population. They have turned a minor grievance into a tantrum befitting a three-year-old. Cops deserve our support and respect, but they lose it when literally turn their backs on the rest of us.
14
So much for the illusion that police are there to serve and protect the community.
14
At the end of the day, there are two types of law enforcement: Proactive or Reactive. Mr. de Blasio and the marauding protesters believe in Reactive. So, should, God forbid, one of them be a victim of a crime, they can call 911 and go about trying to apprehend the abuser. In Proactive, police officers are looking for what's not right and keeping a tight lock. This type of policing, it has been argued, lowers the possibility of the need for Reactive policing.
The appalling part of the article was using the word "killing" when referring to Mr. Garner. Killing is a word with implications of malice. Is the NY Times judge and jury?
The appalling part of the article was using the word "killing" when referring to Mr. Garner. Killing is a word with implications of malice. Is the NY Times judge and jury?
6
The NYT's attacks on the cops are despicable. New York over the years has become one of the safest big city in America. Thanks to policing. NOT thanks to the Times or the current mayor. That policing has above all made blacks in crime ridden neighborhoods vastly safer. The entitled and pamplered Times editorial staff and the majority of its readers are the absolute perfection of liberal chic contempt for the safety needs of their city.
11
New York has gotten safer for the same reason that other large cities have gotten safer. There are fewer young men, who commit most crimes, relative to the rest of the population. During the last two decades, a general lowering of the crime rate has occurred because of demographics. It has nothing to do with liberal, conservative, or a New York Times op-ed piece.
1
To those at the New York Times who think the police are acting shamefully because they turn their back on the mayor:
If you don't like the job the police are doing for what they are paid, you are free to join your local police academy and take responsibility for your beliefs.
If you don't like the job the police are doing for what they are paid, you are free to join your local police academy and take responsibility for your beliefs.
6
You would have the NYPD immune to criticism? It's not just the NYT leveling it, it's most of America where local cops seem to have a higher regard for the citizens they protect.
3
People are angry that they or their stuff may be at risk because police are getting paid, and are not policing. Though some are doubtless angry at PINO's (police in name only) lack of respect for Mayor di Blasio.
Those who observe PINO's "turning their back" on actual serious crime are indeed free to join their local police academy. But why not simply complain to city hall, with the badge or license plate number if you can get it?
Those who observe PINO's "turning their back" on actual serious crime are indeed free to join their local police academy. But why not simply complain to city hall, with the badge or license plate number if you can get it?
3
Excellent editorial. NYPD & its unions have no rights to hold the City
hostage. Faculty & staff at CUNY have been without a new contract
for three years. We have been vigorously protesting. Imagine if we
went back to work this month and just sat in our classrooms and
refused to teach. That would be wrong and unfair to the students.
NYPD should not be allowed to get away with this slowdown.
hostage. Faculty & staff at CUNY have been without a new contract
for three years. We have been vigorously protesting. Imagine if we
went back to work this month and just sat in our classrooms and
refused to teach. That would be wrong and unfair to the students.
NYPD should not be allowed to get away with this slowdown.
14
It's time to fire the police officers that turned their back on Mayor de Blasio. Can you imagine them enforcing the law equally in white and black communities? Or investigate the rape of a black woman with the same fervor as the rape of a white woman? I can't. Can you imagine them responding to a terrorist incident with the same professionalism as their Boston area brothers? I can't. NYPD's malcontents should go; they are temperamentally unsuited to be police officers. This would be a good first step in fixing our unequal justice system.
13
Well said. Police expect immediate obedience from the public but then behave with this insolence themselves. NYC had better manage this or we will all be stepping in coup d'etat territory.
15
The police are the problem here? I’ve been a journalist for quite some time. Imagine you are a journalist and you have learned that the new senior editor is someone famous for speaking out against journalists, calling their reporting biased against minorities and inaccurate in general. And then, in his first year in office, he scolds his team of journalists along the same lines—and brings Al Sharpton into the newsroom to make the point. What, my fellow journalists out there, would we do next?
3
False equivalency. Any good journalist would know that.
3
If you responded by insulting your boss and refusing to do your job, you would be fired immediately and escorted out the door.
4
Journalists are not police, and as important as you think your are --- it is not even close to the same thing. Police primary responsibilities are to protect and serve, and it appears NYPD is doing neither. Like any other employees, they need to be praised for the good they do and corrected for their shortcomings. This mayor is not against the NYPD, he is against the over-reaching thug mentality of it's brass. They are not above the law, and when the act that way it is the mayor's duty to speak out and correct it.
3
The citizens of NYC should turn their backs to the police who are unable to understand the concept of constructive criticism.
12
Mr. de Blasio started this by not respecting the criminal justice system that refused to indict the police officers and instead supported the mobs in the street. When grand juries refuse to indict our elected officials must remain on the side of the law. de Blasio should resign.
1
Can we please dig further into the NYPD's motivations for this disrespectful behavior? For example, how about more depth on the following quote from Al Baker and J. David Goodman's NY Times article of 01/06/2015: "amid a stream of threats to officers by phone and online" - what is going on here, why haven't we read more about this, are these threats to individual officers, when did these threats begin or intensify?
I wish the Times would stop its phony outrage about a peaceful protest a handful of police conducted against Mayor DeBlasio and reveal what this editorial attack is all about--union busting. Could it be that the Times really wants to see police unions broken up??? This is also an exercise in First Amendment hypocrisy--it's perfectly OK for noisy demonstrators to carry on in the streets yelling anti-cop epithets and it's considered Free Speech. But when the cops also exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully, well, that's another story now isn't it??? PS -- the noisy demonstrators really don't care about Eric Gardner. The goal of the protestors is to provoke a confrontation with the police so they can get on the 6 o'clock news and have sympathetic Times editorial writers pen articles about police brutality.
4
Why is the NY Times complaining about the lack of arrests and tickets? Isn't this the type of justice that the paper advocates? No stop and frisk. No "broken windows." A true liberal utopia.
2
How about stopping and frisking and penalizing broken window offenses equally across races?
3
Begin taking action to fire employees who are not doing their job.
5
How much do you know about NY and the NYPD to make that conclusion? Reading one article doesn't suffice I'm afraid.
I remember after 9/11, the whole city and the rest of the country thanked the police officers and treated them like the heroes they were. That was because we had pictures of dust covered police officers assisting people at a time of grave danger.
And that's just the point, they were given respect based on what they demonstrated they could do for us as citizens.
If we continue getting pictures of police officers not helping people, they just might loose all the admiration and respect they already have. It will take years to get that back. If you don't believe me, Just ask the New Orleans police department how hard it is to gain the public's trust after you have lost it.
And that's just the point, they were given respect based on what they demonstrated they could do for us as citizens.
If we continue getting pictures of police officers not helping people, they just might loose all the admiration and respect they already have. It will take years to get that back. If you don't believe me, Just ask the New Orleans police department how hard it is to gain the public's trust after you have lost it.
5
These are the so-called "hero" who are supposed "serve and protect". We have a systemic problem in our country. I am sure many other XYPDs are like that too.
7
"If the Police Department’s current commanders cannot get the cops to do their jobs, Mr. de Blasio should consider replacing them.
He should remind the police that they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws."
Christie fired & replaced the Camden PD and reports are that policing is up & crime is down. Maybe a good template for NYC.
He should remind the police that they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws."
Christie fired & replaced the Camden PD and reports are that policing is up & crime is down. Maybe a good template for NYC.
5
As one who lives in NY Metro (aka-NJ) I read the news but I wonder: "What does the Police Union want?" It is clear that the issue is not about the response to the shootings or the demonstrations, there is something deeper that is causing this level of reaction. Unfortunately the news hasn't revealed what it is that the police union wants. Perhaps it is time to tell the people who will have to pay for their demands, exactly what their demands are.
7
The reason it is against the law to sell black market cigarettes is because it deprives the state of the tax revenue from those cigarettes. New York taxes those cigarettes at a much higher rate than some other states - so there is a lucrative black market trade in bringing cigarettes from low-tax states into high tax states.
Eric Garner was going to be arrested for selling black market cigarettes...and the media made a huge stink about the cops "persecuting" minorities for "minor" crimes.
Now, the cops have stopped writing summonses for far more minor crimes - and they are accused of insubordination.
But if you were a cop, and you felt that the jaywalker you were going to ticket might pull a gun and shoot you, or you felt that that citizen might claim you were a racist oppressor...would you write the ticket? Or would you just let it go?
I would just let it go. At least until the general public finally realized that cops are a good thing, not a bad thing.
Eric Garner was going to be arrested for selling black market cigarettes...and the media made a huge stink about the cops "persecuting" minorities for "minor" crimes.
Now, the cops have stopped writing summonses for far more minor crimes - and they are accused of insubordination.
But if you were a cop, and you felt that the jaywalker you were going to ticket might pull a gun and shoot you, or you felt that that citizen might claim you were a racist oppressor...would you write the ticket? Or would you just let it go?
I would just let it go. At least until the general public finally realized that cops are a good thing, not a bad thing.
5
Really does the union want crime to go up to bolster support for its takeover of city government? Telling the lawless the cops are taking a paid vacation while riding around in sector cars is only inviting lawlessness. Really obvious cops want crime to spike so they begged to take their foot off the throats of the people they work for. Lynch says all of this could be resolved if the mayor apologize. Stand tall mister mayor we voted for you not him. Just play the video of the cop riding on the hood of the car. After falling off he calmed the car was standing still. Really. Wow
10
Yes The Mayor has been in office Barely a year and what we absolutely know is horses are leaving the city, cell phones will reign in schools, cops are now targets, Charter schools are a societal plague which needs to be eliminated, De Blasio's wife is a governmental official, and every city hall decision and policy is patently one sided. Congratulations to "mayor for ALL the people"!
3
Bill de Blasé, oh
3
I think it's a tribute to New Yorkers that they themselves haven't gone wild in the streets, although I'm sure there are plenty of bad guys who are just waiting for the time to be right. I think the police should take note of this and follow the example of the man-on-the-street, who slogs it to work every day, and who certainly doesn't need more slings-and-arrows treatment the protesting cops are dishing out.
6
The mayor ran for office against the police department. Then, after election, he continued the campaign. Unfortunately for him, two police officers got killed on the job. Public sentiment shifted. The police officers are now pushing back. The mayor and his big mouth lost control of the situation. Consistently arriving late, building a big fence around the mansion, constant belief in his own "rightness". he displays all the traits of a little man with a lot of bluster. Mr. Mayor, well past time for a little humble pie.
6
Odd to have the police modeling disrespect for authority.
12
Wow. New York's finest are apparently no longer that. Instead, they are New York's most self-centered, defensive and insubordinate. What an embarrassment. Do these ill-informed men and women know how they appear to the outside world or are they only concerned with their petty little hurt feelings? My father was a cop for decades and he would never have shown disrespect on the job by placing his interests above those of the citizens he served. For shame, NYPD. Your fathers, your children, and those who served before you should turn their backs on you.
14
Dock the police officers pay for all of the lost revenue, deny them a raise, strip them of civil service protection, take away their right to unionize, and fire the officers who are behind this. Write to the Mayor and City Council and demand those actions.
4
Well one thing the police will prove quickly, their presence is more critical to the city than the NYT.
5
Cops who turn their backs on civility need to be fired. Whether while standing in line or in being violent against residents.
6
We are a cop family. I'm not one but I can simply say we, all cops, don't need you or the mayor telling us what our duty is.
1
This is a super dangerous attitude. The cops are not some private army without any accountability to the civilians who have been elected to oversee the governance of the city. The cops aren't just turning their backs on the mayor, they are turning their backs on the city they are sworn to protect.
A large, highly trained armed force with no accountability to anyone but, apparently, a union president is something I would expect to see in some banana republic, but not in the great city of New York.
That said, who should be telling the cops what their duty is?
A large, highly trained armed force with no accountability to anyone but, apparently, a union president is something I would expect to see in some banana republic, but not in the great city of New York.
That said, who should be telling the cops what their duty is?
3
Mayor De Blasio was elected because the citizenry of New York wanted the over zealous and by unfortunate extension racist police tactics ended. The next election is in 3 years at which time all New Yorkers including those who wear the police uniform will have their say. Until then New York City is a Democracy not a police state. All cops join the department voluntarily there is no draft. These sworn officers need to start doing their jobs and uphold and enforce the law or they should have their tax payer funded employment terminated immediately.
8
It has become clear that some of "New York's finest" have lost the sense of mission. Those who turned their back at the funerals of fellow officers, those who disregarded the Commissioner's directive, those who are not performing some of the most basic of resposibilities are tarnishing the badge or shield of the NYPD. They are not bigger than the law! They are jeopardizing citizens in not following the mission to protect and serve.
It is time for them to turn in their badge and find other work.
It is time for them to turn in their badge and find other work.
8
There are many similarities in the job descriptions of city police officers and U.S. soldiers. When I soldier disregards the orders of a superior officer, he or she is court-martialed.
9
Grimly hilarious that the Times imagines that it speaks with any authority - moral or practical - with regard to police work in New York.
3
de Blasio is a socialist of the kind we have in France for almost three years now. If he remains in New York too long, New York is dead.
1
Socialism at the level of Mayor cannot kill a city. That's just silly talk. Think about it . . . the only control he has is over City services, which are already as close to socialism as we get. He cannot turn private businesses into city gov't.
2
Because France is dead ?
3
Didn't two cops just get shot while enforcing the law? I think the story may have made Page 1 of the Times.
1
I would love to see a balanced coverage of these issues from the NYT.
There’s no shortage of condemnation of law enforcement on these pages.
Now let’s have some opinion pieces from people with different opinions.
A one-sided bashing does not satisfy my standard for understanding.
There’s no shortage of condemnation of law enforcement on these pages.
Now let’s have some opinion pieces from people with different opinions.
A one-sided bashing does not satisfy my standard for understanding.
5
translation: ''I want the NYT to say more things that I agree with.''
3
Is the dreadful irony in this situation not apparent? These onfrontational policemen are acting in the same spirit that caused Eric Gardner's death--wildly escalating a confrontation out of proportion. Their job is to do the opposite. If they can't handle the job, it's time to get people who can.
13
Look....you people voted de Blasio into office, you knew he is an anti-police leftist. Getting rid of Stop-and-Frisk was a cameo issue of his campaign and it is the only thing that kept guns off New York streets. Countless crooks have said that they stopped habitually carrying a gun because of Stop-and-Frisk. Cops know that Stop-and-Frisk went a long way toward disarming street thugs. Elections have consequences and you New Yorkers are living with the consequences of electing a leftist mayor who vilified the police for using the aggressive street policing tactics absolutely needed to keep the lid on your polyglot, multicultural city of 8 million. New York City is not Austin or El Paso, Texas. NYC is continually on the verge of criminal anarchy and needs aggressive policing to keep the peace.
4
So why hasn't it descended into ~criminal anarchy in the 2 weeks the cops have refused to work?
3
As usual, The Times publishes a one-sided editorial that presents an incomplete picture and implies that 35,000 cops are acting without reason. Why are the police engaging in the conduct the Times so deplores? In its refusal to even mention or acknowledge the reasons, the Times again does a disservice to its readers and loses any pretense of intellectual honesty. Even in its statement mentioning "the killing by police of an unarmed man, Eric Garner," the Times omits the fact that Garner was resisting a lawful arrest, and the Times demonstrates its inherent prejudice and willingness to state facts necessary to make its statements not misleading.
I am left wondering whether the Times supports or objects to "broken windows" policing. In the past, I thought the Times objected to "broken windows" policing, while this editorial at least implies otherwise. Why does the Times deplore the reduction in criminal summonses, arrests and parking and traffic tickets? Somehow, I could envision an editorial praising the reduction in arrests (presumably of African-Americans and Latinos) and criminal summonses if done as a matter of de Blasio or Bratton policy. Instead, the editorial implores the police to get back to the business of harassing the African-American community and making those arrests for minor offenses that Bill de Blasio and Al Sharpton have so roundly criticized, at least until de Blasio tells them to stop the harassment. A real catch 22 for the police.
I am left wondering whether the Times supports or objects to "broken windows" policing. In the past, I thought the Times objected to "broken windows" policing, while this editorial at least implies otherwise. Why does the Times deplore the reduction in criminal summonses, arrests and parking and traffic tickets? Somehow, I could envision an editorial praising the reduction in arrests (presumably of African-Americans and Latinos) and criminal summonses if done as a matter of de Blasio or Bratton policy. Instead, the editorial implores the police to get back to the business of harassing the African-American community and making those arrests for minor offenses that Bill de Blasio and Al Sharpton have so roundly criticized, at least until de Blasio tells them to stop the harassment. A real catch 22 for the police.
6
Tony, there's a difference between a police force that ignores the community, such as what the NYPD is doing now, and a police force that productively and benignly engages a community to build a relationship without nuisance arrests and ticket quotas. New York deserves a police force that understands and is trained to do the latter. As for Eric Garner, in your words, "resisting a lawful arrest," who is really presenting an "incomplete picture" and demonstrating an "inherent prejudice" and "intellectual dishonesty?" There is no "Catch-22" to good community relations and effective police work. Any officer who really sees it that way should quit and get another job. The military comes to mind.
6
"He was elected by an overwhelming vote, because he promised action on police reform, starting with the end of stop-and-frisk tactics that corralled so many innocent New Yorkers into the criminal-justice system."
No. Stop-and-frisk was the institutionalization of racism in NYC, that sought to intimidate every African-American in the city and, perhaps unintentionally, put their lives at risk. If we want to solve the problems of decades Caucasian domination and oppression of African-American New Yorkers, we, 1st, have to properly, determinately say what has occurred. This "slowdown" is, again, aimed squarely at African-American New Yorkers, whose lives the police continue to make forfeit.
“Our friends, we’re courteous to them. Our enemies, extreme discretion.", Patrick Lynch said. Do we have to wonder who the friends and are and who the enemies are? Prior to that bit of dialogue, which evoked The Godfather, not public safety, Lynch let it be known that NYPD is now a "wartime" department and had been in the past.
This is not news to African-American New Yorkers, who've always felt under occupation. Now the occupation is lifted and the city is safe and we can all see it's was always a one-sided war. African-Americans have been scapegoated with willing participation of "our friends"
Police lawlessness, which any, self-imposed, modification of duties, by definition, is, has spread to the rest of the city. You don't have to worry, though, if you're part of the right tribe.
No. Stop-and-frisk was the institutionalization of racism in NYC, that sought to intimidate every African-American in the city and, perhaps unintentionally, put their lives at risk. If we want to solve the problems of decades Caucasian domination and oppression of African-American New Yorkers, we, 1st, have to properly, determinately say what has occurred. This "slowdown" is, again, aimed squarely at African-American New Yorkers, whose lives the police continue to make forfeit.
“Our friends, we’re courteous to them. Our enemies, extreme discretion.", Patrick Lynch said. Do we have to wonder who the friends and are and who the enemies are? Prior to that bit of dialogue, which evoked The Godfather, not public safety, Lynch let it be known that NYPD is now a "wartime" department and had been in the past.
This is not news to African-American New Yorkers, who've always felt under occupation. Now the occupation is lifted and the city is safe and we can all see it's was always a one-sided war. African-Americans have been scapegoated with willing participation of "our friends"
Police lawlessness, which any, self-imposed, modification of duties, by definition, is, has spread to the rest of the city. You don't have to worry, though, if you're part of the right tribe.
7
Mr. de Blasio started this by not respecting the criminal justice system that refused to indict the police officers and instead supported the mobs in the street. When grand juries refuse to indict our elected officials must remain on the side of the law. de Blasio should resign.
4
Respect how ? You are willfully turning a deaf ear to all of the complements and praise deBlasio has heaped on the police force in the last three weeks. He also could have very easily not decided to visit the hospitals and attend the funerals. After all, that's what disrespect actually looks like.
Yet people critical of the mayor are ignoring all of the gestures and statements that respect the police force, and instead providing their own interpretations to words that in reality aren't disrespectful at all to confirm their own biases.
To you, if he praises the police, he's lying, and if he's critical he wants to do away with the entire institution and promote anarchy.
Yet people critical of the mayor are ignoring all of the gestures and statements that respect the police force, and instead providing their own interpretations to words that in reality aren't disrespectful at all to confirm their own biases.
To you, if he praises the police, he's lying, and if he's critical he wants to do away with the entire institution and promote anarchy.
3
So, people engaged in legitimate political protest are now "thugs on the street"?
3
The video has nothing to do with the content of editorial. It is gratuitous and inflammatory. Everyone has to dial back these kinds of insults. We could find ridiculous video of members of every profession.
1
exactly who are the "thugs" here?
there is an armed gang in NYC that seems to think it is above the law.
there is an armed gang in NYC that seems to think it is above the law.
10
The news media (NY Times included) are much to blame for biased reporting of the incidents that have inflamed race relations. This editorial, for example, refers to 'killing by the police of an unarmed man, Eric Garner..". In the video of the event, Mr, Garner definitely had arms, with fists attached. He was resisting arrest, saying "Don't touch me.." How else take him into custody? How were the cops to know that he was asthmatic? Suppose the media described this case and the Michael Brown case as "Criminals killed as they resisted arrest", (equally descriptive of what happened) would that have aroused such a reaction? Look, the truth is that both the victims and the police made mistakes, but the race-biased reporting did the damage. But it captured eyeballs, so it is OK. Right editors? Maybe the blood on your hands will not be noticed.
1
"In the old days, they used to put a gun or a knife on somebody after a shooting. Now they don't even bother." Frank Serpico
5
"He was elected by an overwhelming vote".....AHEM!......I think you mean Mr. de Blasio was elected by an "overwhelming" majority of the people who bothered to show up, and that was not too many. Perhaps the next election people will not take it for granted so much and Mr. de Blasio's tenure will be rather short. One could say that the citizens got what they voted for, next time I think they will actually vote.
2
It would be interesting if the police slowdown led to better relations between them and the community they police.
De Blasio has to win this confrontation for all the reasons argued in this editorial. The downside is that like many towns, NYC needs the money generated by the fines, a vicious cycle.
De Blasio has to win this confrontation for all the reasons argued in this editorial. The downside is that like many towns, NYC needs the money generated by the fines, a vicious cycle.
2
So, when the police enforce the laws in minority communities, they are racist. When they do not, they are violating the civil rights of the communities. Exactly what do the editors of the NYT think the police should do?
3
Either be discredited or be wholly subservient to the progressives' directives
If employment in the NYPD is essentially "at will" (and regardless of any paperwork), it seems there are some officers who should be out of a job about now. This type of disrespect for your bosses is constitutionally protected speech, no question. It is also clear grounds for termination.
7
If the mayor's skin is too thin for criticism, he's free to resign.
i thought white liberals didn't want the police to do anything? Why are they whining?
4
Makes me wonder if the NYPD is aware of what Ronald Reagan (a hero to many of the conservative cops) did to the air traffic controllers. Perhaps this might be a good time for the mayor to resurrect the spirit of St. Ronnie and prune the NYPD.
6
Impressively clear-headed view of a self-inflicted defilement of public trust.
4
New Yorkers are going to have to decide: do they want to be policed by a "who's-in-charge" mob wearing blue uniforms and carrying guns and badges, or do they want their police force to be an organized, controlled military style organization with rules, direction, leadership and procedures, and with a civilian in charge? Whatever they have now is obviously not working...........
5
A man in uniform displaying (public) disrespect towards his command does not deserve to wear the uniform, indeed it is dangerous to allow him to continue to do so. Period.
13
"New York City's Finest?" Some of them no longer fit this description.
Get rid of the rotten ones who won't "protect and serve." Their peeve against the mayor has run its course and is now a danger to society.
Get rid of the rotten ones who won't "protect and serve." Their peeve against the mayor has run its course and is now a danger to society.
4
"New York City's Finest?" Some of them no longer fit this description.
Get rid of the rotten ones who won't "protect and serve." Their peeve against the mayor has run its course and is now a danger to society.
Get rid of the rotten ones who won't "protect and serve." Their peeve against the mayor has run its course and is now a danger to society.
7
This is wonderful. New York is now a free city again! The law is no longer being broken (eg illegally arresting citizens carrying marijuana in their pockets who are fooled into showing it to the police so they can be arrested, and the cop can be promoted. Sickening!!!!! And, no, I don't smoke pot.) The money lost from the tickets not being issued can be saved by laying off court personnel.
6
I'm reading the comments here and wondering if the NYPD is feeling the love.
So many of us were on their side, and knew that a few bad apples shouldn't be used to denigrate the whole. But seeing that more than a few have lost their dignity -- has caused us to lose our respect.
So many of us were on their side, and knew that a few bad apples shouldn't be used to denigrate the whole. But seeing that more than a few have lost their dignity -- has caused us to lose our respect.
5
The implicit demand by some police officers that they should never be criticized or held to account for anything is rooted in the fact that their jobs can be dangerous and unpleasant.
If the police deserve to be above the law and beyond reproach because their jobs are dangerous and unpleasant, then so do coal miners, fishermen, loggers, sanitation workers, roofers, steel workers, farmers, truck drivers, and anyone who works at a prison. And, of course, troops on active duty or in the reserves.
Come to think of it, many criminals and gang bangers also have dangerous and unpleasant jobs, like getting into shootouts with rivals.
So let's give 'em all a free pass, and call it Morning in America.
If the police deserve to be above the law and beyond reproach because their jobs are dangerous and unpleasant, then so do coal miners, fishermen, loggers, sanitation workers, roofers, steel workers, farmers, truck drivers, and anyone who works at a prison. And, of course, troops on active duty or in the reserves.
Come to think of it, many criminals and gang bangers also have dangerous and unpleasant jobs, like getting into shootouts with rivals.
So let's give 'em all a free pass, and call it Morning in America.
14
It would be difficult if not impossible to find a more bungling mayor than Mr. de Blasio. His vainglorious presser the other day was a further hit on his cops when he took credit for accomplishments with which he had nothing to do. The NY Times adds to this bizarre conflict, trying to paint it as a dispute between unions, ironically, always backed by the Times except for this case, and the beleaguered mayor. It is not; it is something more significant and deeper but it would take real journalists to decipher what is going on. The mayor and the Times editorial staff would do well to heed the words of the 1966 hit by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, "I fought the law and the law won!"
5
De Blasio needs to take responsibility. He is the mayor and he is the one that wants the broken windows policy enforced. He said so while he was campaigning and it is the reason Bratton, who was making a whole lot more money as a private consultant, is back. De Blasio wanted to get rid of stop and frisk. He has. When Eric Garner, selling cigarettes in front of stores that sell cigarettes, was confronted, that was broken windows. That was the policy the mayor wanted. When Garner refused to be arrested, the end result was predictable, that the police would use force to make an arrest. It was sad that he died, but that wasn't the purpose of the force used. Instead of De Blasio hemming and hawing, he should have said "You don't have a right to refuse arrest. I'm sorry that this man died, but the police were enforcing the law and the policy that we have in the city." He threw the police under the bus. To the New York Times editorial board, way to inflame the situation with hyperbole.
5
Shame on you editorial board. Just keep fanning those flames.
If you want this fixed then 1) remind people that 70% of 24% is NOT a mandate but an abdication 2) demand that the mayor get rid of Al Sharpton permanently (there can be no respect for a man whose entire career has been built on fanning discord based on lies) 3) offer to have a series of public meeting where the community and the police can talk to each other AND where a reporter actually writes up BOTH sides of the discussion 4) demand that the mayor apologize for his demeaning comments to the police and that he appoint a committee of five rank and file policemen (NOT UNION OFFICIALS) to give him advice on how to mend fences and 5) run some editorials THANKING the police for their continued selfless service
To continue to blame the police for the chain of events caused principally by the hostile attitude of the mayor is absurd
Otherwise it is time for the mayor to resign since he has proven that he cannot lead the city he was "elected" to manage
If you want this fixed then 1) remind people that 70% of 24% is NOT a mandate but an abdication 2) demand that the mayor get rid of Al Sharpton permanently (there can be no respect for a man whose entire career has been built on fanning discord based on lies) 3) offer to have a series of public meeting where the community and the police can talk to each other AND where a reporter actually writes up BOTH sides of the discussion 4) demand that the mayor apologize for his demeaning comments to the police and that he appoint a committee of five rank and file policemen (NOT UNION OFFICIALS) to give him advice on how to mend fences and 5) run some editorials THANKING the police for their continued selfless service
To continue to blame the police for the chain of events caused principally by the hostile attitude of the mayor is absurd
Otherwise it is time for the mayor to resign since he has proven that he cannot lead the city he was "elected" to manage
4
Can an Opinion be more disjointed than this? "Broken windows needs rethinking"but the Editors complain that "forces of entropy" are "turning their backs on the law". Should existing laws be enforced or not? The dysfunctional leadership of DiBlasio make the answer uncertain to all including the NYPD.
7
"He was elected by an overwhelming vote, because he promised action on police reform, starting with the end of stop-and-frisk tactics that corralled so many innocent New Yorkers into the criminal-justice system."
Stop and frisk may or may not be an illegal search but it didn't put any innocent New Yorkers into the criminal-justice system. What it did was kept gang members and gun owners to leave their guns at home. It made the streets, particularly in minority neighborhoods safe from guns that are easily imported into the city despite it's strong gun laws.
Chicago has tough gun laws and doesn't have stop and frisk and it's littered with bodies particularly in minority neighborhoods.
Stop and frisk may or may not be an illegal search but it didn't put any innocent New Yorkers into the criminal-justice system. What it did was kept gang members and gun owners to leave their guns at home. It made the streets, particularly in minority neighborhoods safe from guns that are easily imported into the city despite it's strong gun laws.
Chicago has tough gun laws and doesn't have stop and frisk and it's littered with bodies particularly in minority neighborhoods.
3
Mandate ? How disingenuous ----
Any Democrat was winning the election and de Blasio avoided a runoff by what, like 15 votes? Really?
The police, Guiliani, and Bloomberg created a safe city over two decades and you say because statistics haven't changed in six months it's all still fine. Let's talk again soon.
The intellectual dishonesty is staggering. As always, most anyone can write
the NYT lead editorial --- not hard to predict. Once, just once did de Blasio condemn "What do we want" "Dead Cops"
Where's Sharpton --- now de Blasio throws him under the bus?
Where is your video link to the police officer that was "allegedly" punched on the Brooklyn Bridge during the protests --- which was fine with our mayor --- delaying ambulances and police cars from emergencies.
Any Democrat was winning the election and de Blasio avoided a runoff by what, like 15 votes? Really?
The police, Guiliani, and Bloomberg created a safe city over two decades and you say because statistics haven't changed in six months it's all still fine. Let's talk again soon.
The intellectual dishonesty is staggering. As always, most anyone can write
the NYT lead editorial --- not hard to predict. Once, just once did de Blasio condemn "What do we want" "Dead Cops"
Where's Sharpton --- now de Blasio throws him under the bus?
Where is your video link to the police officer that was "allegedly" punched on the Brooklyn Bridge during the protests --- which was fine with our mayor --- delaying ambulances and police cars from emergencies.
6
starting with the end of stop-and-frisk tactics that corralled so many innocent New Yorkers into the criminal-justice system.
Oh please explain how stop and frisk has corralled an Innocent person into the system.
If an officer stops you to speak with you and he finds nothing on you (you are innocent) How do you then get corralled into the system?
Oh please explain how stop and frisk has corralled an Innocent person into the system.
If an officer stops you to speak with you and he finds nothing on you (you are innocent) How do you then get corralled into the system?
3
The drop off in parking/traffic citations and criminal summons are a violation of the no-strike provisions of the police union's labor agreement. Unfortunately, you can't fire a whole police department, but it wouldn't hurt to mete out some disciplinary action to a few of the worst offenders. Yes, it might escalate things, but the point needs to be made. Do your job, or go away. You can't do both at the same time.
4
The November 2013 election turnout was 24% of registered voters. This mayor received 72.2 % of those vote, at most 18% of eligible voters. An “overwhelming vote?”
Today’s Times article on the recent two officer Bronx shooting notes how “Fear took hold easily in a department shaken by the Dec. 20 ambush killings of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos;” how “the realization that the wild late-night shooting and subsequent chase erupted from a more ordinary crime did little to assuage the concerns of officer;” and how there has been “a stream of threats to officers by phone and online.” At the same time police officers have seen Al Sharpton accorded the highest regard at City Hall, the portrayal as “inadvertent” of Rachel Noerdlinger’s omitting that she lived with a convicted killer making threats against the police, and the mayor’s warning to his son to fear the police. The mayor then reappointed Laura Johnson to the bench after she had released without bail a defendant who had threatened the police and shortly thereafter released without bail another such defendant. Notwithstanding the mayor’s sometimes words of support, to these officers if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then . . . .
The desired end to the mayor/police confrontation is not helped by the refusal to recognize, as in this editorial, legitimate concerns of the police whose lives are at risk while at the same time extolling the mayor through rose colored glasses.
Today’s Times article on the recent two officer Bronx shooting notes how “Fear took hold easily in a department shaken by the Dec. 20 ambush killings of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos;” how “the realization that the wild late-night shooting and subsequent chase erupted from a more ordinary crime did little to assuage the concerns of officer;” and how there has been “a stream of threats to officers by phone and online.” At the same time police officers have seen Al Sharpton accorded the highest regard at City Hall, the portrayal as “inadvertent” of Rachel Noerdlinger’s omitting that she lived with a convicted killer making threats against the police, and the mayor’s warning to his son to fear the police. The mayor then reappointed Laura Johnson to the bench after she had released without bail a defendant who had threatened the police and shortly thereafter released without bail another such defendant. Notwithstanding the mayor’s sometimes words of support, to these officers if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then . . . .
The desired end to the mayor/police confrontation is not helped by the refusal to recognize, as in this editorial, legitimate concerns of the police whose lives are at risk while at the same time extolling the mayor through rose colored glasses.
3
It's time to forget this garbage about "he he was only elected by 18 percent of eligible voters." Turnout in elections at all levels nationwide is poor. Did you make the same point about Bush and Obama? I know the system is rigged, and that's why people don't vote. But if you choose not to make your voice heard that can't be taken as an indication that you don't support whoever is elected.
3
in a police state--the police make the rules---the mayor needs to follow their rules. If not, they will protest.
6
I find myself favoring both pro-police comments and anti-police comments. I think that means that there are rational arguments on the issue. What I need are voices from both sides so I can better weigh perceived truths. But that is the job of journalists. Perhaps journalists at a major New York newspaper are turning their backs on the Editorial Board of The New York Times. Someone just threw a rock at my window, this is broken window journa...Oh. Sorry. It was a bird. He's ok, he flew off. I repeat, the bird is OK. Reporting from Connecticut, I am Make It Fly. Very apt name, I picked. As Lisa Simpson would say, "Apt!"
1
Forget for a moment who did what to whom and consider the fact the de Blasio appears unable to step up and lead this most complex and crowded city at this critical moment. We need a mayor who can deal with the issue forthrightly and without emotion. De Blasio looks weak, indecisive and worse - he looks like an grassroots advocate rather than the mayor of New York. I say "Yuck".
5
The fact that Mayor DeBlasio has not over-reacted or become hysterical should not be counted against him, it should be counted for him. He is facing a police force that is "acting out" in wildly unprofessional ways, led by very, very poor leaders like Mr. Lynch. The wise course is to hope that better sense prevails among the police. If the police do not begin to act appropriately the Mayor will have to bring discipline to the ranks in more confrontational ways. In the meantime, his restraint has helped assure that the situation does not unnecessarily get out of hand. In no case show he or the citizens of NY bow to police misbehavior. If the police do not understand that they are accountable for wrongful behavior within their ranks, then they don't have the right to be employed by the citizens of NY. The police must realize that asking them for accountability in the use of force is not the same as giving license to nuts who want to kill police...that association made by Mr. Lynch and others is hysterical and unworthy.
4
It is all very well for members of NYT's Editorial board Panemites to take a high view of "Broken Windows" policing, but the strategy does work. Those of us who are living outside the barricaded enclaves of elite privilege and safety, we have to face the effects of policing breakdown on the streets of the five boroughs. The shooting of the policemen in Bronx should not have happened had the NYT and De Blasio's ultra liberal brigade not gone out in an all out war against the NYPD in response to the Eric Garner incident. I for one feel safe when the blues are working like they should and am proud of them. they aren't perfect, but they are effective.
7
They gone from New York's Finest to Bullys with Badges. Sad.
7
Much of the damage has already been done. Dress uniformed police oblivious to the context of the moment and turning their backs on the Mayor is an example which will not be forgotten. Why would a young man, who has watched and even received oppressive actions by police, fail to turn his back on the police now? The NY Police are training people how to respond to authority which they do not trust. The back-turners were a minority of the Police force, but they will all pay. Sound familiar?
3
A police department should never be used as a way to generate funds, so a slow down on petty infractions may not be all that bad.
If police want to use deadly force while enforcing petty infractions, then show disrespect for the mayor after being criticized, then maybe the NYPD should be treated the way Reagan dealt with the Air Traffic Controllers.
If police want to use deadly force while enforcing petty infractions, then show disrespect for the mayor after being criticized, then maybe the NYPD should be treated the way Reagan dealt with the Air Traffic Controllers.
8
The NYC Patrolmen's Benevolent Association has a leadership problem. Patrick Lynch must exit. Pronto. His leadership is not simply a problem for the public and the Mayor, it’s a problem for all decent cops trying to do the job they have sworn to do.
When is the next election for his office? Who is the officer who will challenge him for his position? Until that day comes and his replacement is sworn in, I suggest that “unless Pat Lynch says otherwise” be added to all police vehicles alongside “Courtesy Professionalism Respect”.
When is the next election for his office? Who is the officer who will challenge him for his position? Until that day comes and his replacement is sworn in, I suggest that “unless Pat Lynch says otherwise” be added to all police vehicles alongside “Courtesy Professionalism Respect”.
15
Time for the editorial board to leave their desks and become police officers and show us how it is done. These pieces are just comment bait.
7
Time for you to hop out of your squad car and become a politician and show us how it's done.
3
I'm proud of Mayor deBlasio, who is standing strong and being reasonable and dignified in the face of these childish and baseless attacks by the PBA president and his supporters. I remember the unrelenting and racist attacks some of their brethren launched against former Mayor Dinkins, who established a commsion to investigate police misconduct. And even the right wing favorite Mayor Guiliani was confronted with a police riot.
Not all union member support this. They need to vote Pat Lynch out of,office and out of the limelight. Maybe the NRA needs a back up to Wayne laPierre?
Not all union member support this. They need to vote Pat Lynch out of,office and out of the limelight. Maybe the NRA needs a back up to Wayne laPierre?
10
The NYT is once again on the side of anarchism over law and order.
I cannot fault the cops for hesitating on enforcing all but life threatening situations. Why risk your life in a traffic stop or some other offense, especially when the suspect may be a minority. No matter what the situation may be, the Mayor will blame the cop over the perpetrator.
Nothing is more evident of this fact as viewed on the video of the two cops being attacked by a mob of blacks and the Mayor stating in a news conference that it was an "ALLEGED" attack.
With that kind of blind ideology, who can blame New Yorks "FINEST" for their actions. GO MEN IN BLUE :-)
I cannot fault the cops for hesitating on enforcing all but life threatening situations. Why risk your life in a traffic stop or some other offense, especially when the suspect may be a minority. No matter what the situation may be, the Mayor will blame the cop over the perpetrator.
Nothing is more evident of this fact as viewed on the video of the two cops being attacked by a mob of blacks and the Mayor stating in a news conference that it was an "ALLEGED" attack.
With that kind of blind ideology, who can blame New Yorks "FINEST" for their actions. GO MEN IN BLUE :-)
4
The only thing the Mayor had to tell his son was, "don't resist arrest".
That advice was all he needed to be safe.
That advice was all he needed to be safe.
4
Maybe if the police have stopped issuing tickets and arresting people for no reason, and crime keeps going down, then we need less police. If officers don't want to do their jobs the solution is obvious: fire them.
8
It appears that "New York's finest," in an incoherent snit over a perceived "disrespecting" by the mayor, have put themselves in the position of our Congress. The police are charged to do a tough job, but they can't afford to aim for the ratings that the do-nothings in DC have earned due to their inaction.
5
The police officers need public support to function properly. One can not expect police officers to fight crime and criminals but turn against them when a criminal fights back or refuses to cooperate with the police. The society's attitude should be pro-police and not pro-criminal. Not even the wildest left-wingies would believe that the officers actually wanted to kill Eric Garner. He died because he resisted arrest and while cops try to subjugate him and his bad health failed him.
Isn't that the NYT and others in the media wanted that the police should stop dealing with petty low level crimes ? Now that's when the cops are doing, the same people are complaining. It is might be easy to say that the crime rate is low but it has just been a week or two. I wait in horror when these petty crimes escalate into high level crimes as criminals get emboldened.
Isn't that the NYT and others in the media wanted that the police should stop dealing with petty low level crimes ? Now that's when the cops are doing, the same people are complaining. It is might be easy to say that the crime rate is low but it has just been a week or two. I wait in horror when these petty crimes escalate into high level crimes as criminals get emboldened.
4
Enough is enough. The immaturity and the impudence of the NYPD must stop. Make them all renew their vow of service to the Mayor, to Chief Bratton and to the citizens of the city of New York. Anyone who refuses gets fired. Start a new and vigorous recruitment campaign to replace the malcontents. Upgrade and improve the training for the rank and file and the new recruits to reflect the realities of the dangerous work they do - while improving their skills and tactics in dealing with the community of the people they are sworn to protect and to serve. They are quickly losing whatever moral capital they've had and are bringing the city down a dangerous path.
7
Excellent idea- take all of their rights away and fire them. One problem facing the City now is that the PD can't fill most Academy classes because the job is so bad. A vow of service to the Mayor- what a crazy idea that is! Maybe, just maybe, we should support them when the City Council passes laws that are clearly anti-police. Maybe not, but low level enforcement will definitely suffer and the City will not make the millions they plan on. Cops will still respond to the major crimes but- Quality of Life crime enforcement will slow down or stop. But remember it is your quality of life they are talking about.
1
"Force people to do their jobs" regardless of a well founded sense of fear and concern for their own safety is a very un-NYTimes message.
You underestimate immensely the impact on police of the first police assassinations in over a generation. Cops love enforcing the law and, until recently, have taken great pride in their work. Imagine being tasked with enforcing the law and then being told by Mayor DeBlasio, "enforce the law, oh except at these protests where you're going increasingly be put in danger - don't arrest protesters even if they're breaking the law". Would anything rout morale of any group more than these conflicted directives?
You underestimate immensely the impact on police of the first police assassinations in over a generation. Cops love enforcing the law and, until recently, have taken great pride in their work. Imagine being tasked with enforcing the law and then being told by Mayor DeBlasio, "enforce the law, oh except at these protests where you're going increasingly be put in danger - don't arrest protesters even if they're breaking the law". Would anything rout morale of any group more than these conflicted directives?
4
Police nowadays is too much politicized. They should serve and protect performing their difficult job. De Blasio and other politicians are annoying them alienating from citizen and themselves.
I don't believe our authorities, they have shown their failure in dialogue with police and reform related with police.
I don't believe our authorities, they have shown their failure in dialogue with police and reform related with police.
2
If the police are not doing their jobs, and this is clearly the situation (are we really to believe the specious reasons supplied by the union?) then why are they getting paychecks?
If I was de Blasio I would give them an ultimatum: get back to doing your jobs, immediately, or you're all fired. Then call the White House for backup. We CANNOT have the police force of any city, town, state in America deliberately holding the public hostage because they don't like the Mayor or anyone else, for that matter.
If I was de Blasio I would give them an ultimatum: get back to doing your jobs, immediately, or you're all fired. Then call the White House for backup. We CANNOT have the police force of any city, town, state in America deliberately holding the public hostage because they don't like the Mayor or anyone else, for that matter.
8
"He should remind the police that they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws." DeBlasio needs to remind himself of the oath he took. BeBlasio's problem is not the police. His problem is himself.
Everyone in New York wanted the police to back off of the tactics that they were using that did, in fact, reduce crime. Then came the anti-police chants by the crowds of demonstrators who wanted "Dead Cops" "Now", police killings and those police officers shot just this week.
The New York TImes is a joke just like DeBlasio is a joke. This is exactly what the people of New York voted for when DeBlasio was elected Mayor, and now the city has what they chanted. The City now has "Dead Cops", cops being shot in the streets, and they have abandoned the police tactics that worked.
The People of New York City brought this on themselves. They voted for less police protection and a Mayor who made that happen. As they say, "You made this bed. Now, lay in it."
No matter who the "public servant" is, there is no one and nothing that can require a police officer or anyone else to go out and commit suicide because of corrupt leadership and Rules of Engagement that are simply insane.
That is what DeBlasio brought to New Your City. Corrupt leadership and insane Rules of Engagement. In every organization there is the right to refuse to obey insane orders and suicidal Rules of Engagement.
Enjoy what you voted for, New York City.
Everyone in New York wanted the police to back off of the tactics that they were using that did, in fact, reduce crime. Then came the anti-police chants by the crowds of demonstrators who wanted "Dead Cops" "Now", police killings and those police officers shot just this week.
The New York TImes is a joke just like DeBlasio is a joke. This is exactly what the people of New York voted for when DeBlasio was elected Mayor, and now the city has what they chanted. The City now has "Dead Cops", cops being shot in the streets, and they have abandoned the police tactics that worked.
The People of New York City brought this on themselves. They voted for less police protection and a Mayor who made that happen. As they say, "You made this bed. Now, lay in it."
No matter who the "public servant" is, there is no one and nothing that can require a police officer or anyone else to go out and commit suicide because of corrupt leadership and Rules of Engagement that are simply insane.
That is what DeBlasio brought to New Your City. Corrupt leadership and insane Rules of Engagement. In every organization there is the right to refuse to obey insane orders and suicidal Rules of Engagement.
Enjoy what you voted for, New York City.
3
No one ever voted for less police protection. We voted to stop illegal searches without reasonable cause. There is a big difference between the two. And if anyone chanted "dead cops" they were irresponsible and a very small minority and everyone has denounced those sentiments. Of course Fox News might re-jigger a video clip to make it seem as though there was such a chant (and later, caught in their lie, apologize for their mendacity), but you might pull yourself away from watching them for maybe a few more minutes other than the 10 minutes it took you to post this rant of non-truths and distortions.
4
This editorial is spot on! A funeral is no place to turn your back on anyone. Are New Yorkers really that crass? Rank and file do not make policy. What would you call it if our military acted this way? You may disagree with your commander, but you still have to follow laws and orders. That police think they have the right to do this speaks volumes about the lack of order. Law enforcement is considered similar to the military in terms of structure and hierarchy. NYPD has shown that they consider themselves above this. THAT is the danger! The only reason police are getting away with this is because leadership is either incapable of controlling them or because leadership agrees with them. Either way, there is a real problem with NYPD. But, then everyone in the country already knew that. At this point Americans should avoid New York altogether. There is as much reason to fear police there as there is to fear the crime.
It also concerns me that police are really saying that the mayor has no right to express his opinion, a constitutional right remember. They are in the wrong and need to be fired if they don't go back to work because somebody is going to get hurt. The shootings of polices officers is awful. But I would remind everyone that the shooter had mental health issues. Interesting how the shooting of Gabby Giffords was dismissed as the result of someone with mental health issues and not the pro-gun propaganda of the time.
It also concerns me that police are really saying that the mayor has no right to express his opinion, a constitutional right remember. They are in the wrong and need to be fired if they don't go back to work because somebody is going to get hurt. The shootings of polices officers is awful. But I would remind everyone that the shooter had mental health issues. Interesting how the shooting of Gabby Giffords was dismissed as the result of someone with mental health issues and not the pro-gun propaganda of the time.
12
When the police refuse to do their jobs, they open the door for private security companies to come to the rescue. How long will it be before an idea like this gains traction and public support? Big business and the wealthy are probably already thinking about this. Maybe the general public should too.
4
NYT Editorial Board seems to be a bit hypocritical here. When Obama and Holder do not enforce the laws of our land the NYT applauds them for it. "The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of the United States, who also acts as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet. "
3
Since the cops have so much extra time on their hands then end police details. That should save us some money!
6
Selected police officers are evidently acting against the principles they agreed to adhere to and that is wrong. Criticism of the Mayor or other officials is fine, but duty and dignity must prevail.
7
NY Times should take a close look at what it published lately before writing editorials like this. How many times had a writer for NY Times defended the cops, looked at them as humans with emotions and families to feed. How many times has anyone from NY Times consider the difficulties of being a cop in a lawless community? How many editorials have you written against the burglary, looting, arson, grand theft that occured in Ferguson and other places? Never. You have never respected the cops for their contribution to the society and now you cry for not collecting enough fines and summons?
3
Language means something, particularly headlines and editorial leads. What is happening is not "between" the Mayor and the uniformed police but is "against" the mayor by those police. There is no factual argument from equivalence in this situation. And, haven't we learned anything from the reckless use of the term "war", i.e., the "wars" on poverty and drugs?
4
As the second paragraph in news article on this states: in housing projects some are relieved and some frightened by the minimal arrest action happening. This is the crux of the issue: where is that fine line between allowing and not allowing illegal behaviors? People have different opinions on this.
1
I love it. Finally the police have found a way to speak up for themselves. They have an impossible job, especially in a city like New York with all its race baiting, leftist politicians. Keep it up boys in blue, I for one, have your back.
3
Folks stop and think. This is proof before you that it has never been about public safety and has always been about the revenue. The so called criminal offenses the police are not enforcing are parking tickets and speeding violations. The traffic revenue is falling off and the city is upset because the cash flow has stopped.
None of this has anything to do with right or wrong, it is all a power struggle within all over revenue.
Stop and enjoy, maybe you will not get a speeding ticket for 41 in a 35 while some cop hides behind a bush to hand you a revenue ticket.
Cities and towns, power and corruption ,it has always been the cops who are the enforcers of the corruption to collect revenue from the citizens.
Is this not truth? Is this not why all of us do not get all warm and fuzzy when we see a cop? Do we not simply try to avoid cops as a whole and never have contact with any of them?
Do we not already know it is about the revenue?
From the smallest hick town with Barney Fife hiding at the city limit sign, to the largest cities, it has always been about the revenue.
None of this has anything to do with right or wrong, it is all a power struggle within all over revenue.
Stop and enjoy, maybe you will not get a speeding ticket for 41 in a 35 while some cop hides behind a bush to hand you a revenue ticket.
Cities and towns, power and corruption ,it has always been the cops who are the enforcers of the corruption to collect revenue from the citizens.
Is this not truth? Is this not why all of us do not get all warm and fuzzy when we see a cop? Do we not simply try to avoid cops as a whole and never have contact with any of them?
Do we not already know it is about the revenue?
From the smallest hick town with Barney Fife hiding at the city limit sign, to the largest cities, it has always been about the revenue.
5
The Garner arrest itself was about revenue. It was a cigarette tax enforcement crackdown. The outcome had nothing to do with race and everything to do with big expensive nanny state government. Liberals want big expensive government and want the police to enforce tax collection. However, they also need to play the race card whenever they can because that's all they have left as far as getting votes. Liberal results for minorities are bad schools and crime ridden neighborhoods. Bankrupt Detroit is the Liberal endgame. Minority voters need to be distracted from the bad outcomes by constant racism allegations. The police are tired of being ordered to enforce tax laws and then being thrown under the bus when they do. The supervising police sergeant on the scene of the Garner arrest was a black woman. This is ignored because of the Liberal need to see racism everywhere. Liberals were quick to blame the Gabby Giffords shooting on Sarah Palin, but are outraged when police blame the murder of two cops on de Blasio using the same logic with a lot more justification. Liberals are being destroyed by their own internal inconsistencies. Conservative Ruckus Blogspot
Maybe de Blasio should resign, since he's clearly lost the confidence of so many and has done a poor job of leadership. It won't be long before the crimes we're talking about are more than turnstile jumping. If he loves the city as much as he says, he should resign. Or we can wait for rising crime to ensure a one-and-done, which is what the police force seems to have in mind.
4
Workers who feel aggrieved and cannot gain redress from negotiation have the right to strike. Of course, they have to make their negotiation points clear and unambiguous. The police have not done this. What, exactly, is their demand? Nobody knows. They do not have the right to oust the mayor from office. That would be a coup. Whether one likes him or not, the mayor was elected by the people. Who elected the police? Nobody.
The cops job action is a squalid, petty and dirty affair. It is undemocratic. It is cowardly too, as they will not articulate any clear demand.
The cops job action is a squalid, petty and dirty affair. It is undemocratic. It is cowardly too, as they will not articulate any clear demand.
5
The police have turned their backs on the people of New York City.
9
No. Bill deBlasio is not "the people of New York City". He is the temporary choice of 18% of NYC registered voters (equal to 73% of the 24% of NYC registered voters who voted in the 2013 election). The police have no problem with the people of NYC. They have an enormous problem with the current Mayor, largely of the Mayor's own making. On the bright side, there are only 1,031 days until the next mayoral election.
Thanks to the NY Times for being a force for a better NY, and a better America.
A suggestion is for the NY Times to help educate the police by giving every police officer a free subscription to the digital NY Times. The police and the Mayor are good people. The police need to be better informed.
Having grown up in NY City in the 1940s, I know I would have benefited more if I had been reading the NY Times then.
A suggestion is for the NY Times to help educate the police by giving every police officer a free subscription to the digital NY Times. The police and the Mayor are good people. The police need to be better informed.
Having grown up in NY City in the 1940s, I know I would have benefited more if I had been reading the NY Times then.
1
I can't help but laugh at how upset the NYTimes and its allies are getting over the nonviolent protest of turning your back to someone you feel has maligned you. If Michael Brown's parents had turned their back on Bob McCulloch, you would have praised it as a moving symbol of resistance. In fact, there would probably be a movie about it nominated for Best Picture.
6
The mayoral administration needs to do a better job of supporting the police. This goes far beyond simply visiting hospitals when cops are shot and funerals when cops are killed. The reality is being a police officer often requires making split second decisions, and the backlash and protests against the police will likely cause more police to hesitate during these situations.
Not enough people put themselves in the shoes of a police officer – if someone points what appears to be a gun at you are you supposed to wait and risk your life to find out if it is real. If someone is combative or resists arrest, it is likely force will be needed to apprehend the suspect. If Michael Brown or Eric Garner cooperated with police and didn’t resist arrest they would both be alive today.
It is unlikely there will be an end to this stalemate until the mayor essentially says to the police – I trust your judgment in high-risk scenarios and will give you complete support to do your job effectively. Until this happens, police will likely feel they can be easily thrown under the bus for any error in judgment. As the adage goes, “It is better to be judged by twelve, than carried by six”.
The protesters and media want to have their cake and eat it too. They want police to protect them if they have an emergency crisis, but they still want to demonize police to comfort their social justice psyche.
Not enough people put themselves in the shoes of a police officer – if someone points what appears to be a gun at you are you supposed to wait and risk your life to find out if it is real. If someone is combative or resists arrest, it is likely force will be needed to apprehend the suspect. If Michael Brown or Eric Garner cooperated with police and didn’t resist arrest they would both be alive today.
It is unlikely there will be an end to this stalemate until the mayor essentially says to the police – I trust your judgment in high-risk scenarios and will give you complete support to do your job effectively. Until this happens, police will likely feel they can be easily thrown under the bus for any error in judgment. As the adage goes, “It is better to be judged by twelve, than carried by six”.
The protesters and media want to have their cake and eat it too. They want police to protect them if they have an emergency crisis, but they still want to demonize police to comfort their social justice psyche.
7
Every day, Patrick Lynch and the police unions sound more and more like Wayne LaPierre and the NRA.
12
I am very sympathetic to the enormously difficult and dangerous job the police have in NYC. But this is totally unacceptable. The police are fast losing the support and respect of people like me and I believe there are millions of us.
11
"He was elected by an overwhelming vote....The city got the mayor it wanted —"
Ummm, 17% of registered voters participated in the last Mayoral election. The Republicans fielded a competent but undistinguished candidate and basically forfeited the race. Mr. de Blasio got a majority of that 17%. I wouldn't call that "overwhelming," nor do I agree that de Blasio is the mayor that "the city" wanted.
Ummm, 17% of registered voters participated in the last Mayoral election. The Republicans fielded a competent but undistinguished candidate and basically forfeited the race. Mr. de Blasio got a majority of that 17%. I wouldn't call that "overwhelming," nor do I agree that de Blasio is the mayor that "the city" wanted.
5
It's a funny thing about elections, based on statistics it's fairly easy to project a winner based on a small sample - that what all news organizations do as standard practice. So, even if a relatively small segment of the electorate actually votes it is easy to interpret from that sample what percentage of the population as a whole would vote for certain candidate. Thus it's really easy to assume de Blasio did win overwhelmingly, because he in fact did. The likely scenario is that many de Blasio voters sat out the election because they understood that he would win regardless (that's exactly what I did). And, likewise, the more "motivated" voters would be the ones that supported Lhota as a vote against de Blasio, so a smaller turnout probably skewed a bit in Lhota's favor.
As it happened, tho, de Blasio won with 73.15% of the vote, and if that is not overwhelming then what is? Finally, I don't see republicans saying that the recent low-turnout elections nationwide somehow implies they did not win overwhelmingly.
As it happened, tho, de Blasio won with 73.15% of the vote, and if that is not overwhelming then what is? Finally, I don't see republicans saying that the recent low-turnout elections nationwide somehow implies they did not win overwhelmingly.
4
Maybe the best thing for NYC would be for both DeBlasio and Flynn to resign and we start all over again. Neither seem to be appropriately motivated or productive.
2
Two NYPD officers are executed because some nut gets caught up in the anti-police hatred in which De Blasio contributed to. They have every right to be angry with protesters shouting slogans such as "What do we want? Dead cops!" How about De Blasio coming out and apologizing to the police for his foolish remarks? They have a difficult job as it is and shouldn't have to work in an environment in which their mayor doesn't have their back. If not writing tickets is their way of protesting an anti-police administration, then so be it.
3
A black man was strangled from behind by a New York City Police Officer, using a choke hold prohibited by New York City Police regulations and training. He was assisted by three or four other armed New York City Police Officers in suffocating their victim to death, despite his pleas to them that "he could not breathe."
Not a single one of these officers suffered any consequence whatsoever.
As a result, a lunatic took "warped justice" into his own hands and two good and honest New York City Police Officers were murdered.
All of the Police Officers of New York City should be ashamed of themselves.
Not a single one of these officers suffered any consequence whatsoever.
As a result, a lunatic took "warped justice" into his own hands and two good and honest New York City Police Officers were murdered.
All of the Police Officers of New York City should be ashamed of themselves.
9
What's your point? That the police are ultimately responsible for the deaths of the two detectives (at the hands of the "lunatic") because of what happened during the arrest of Garner (which arrest was supervised by a black officer)? Wow. You have an interesting outlook on morality. Of course, under your theory, Garner himself is then ultimately responsible for the deaths of the 2 detectives, who would still be alive if he had simply acceded to his arrest as he was lawfully required to do.
"All of the Police Officers of New York City should be ashamed of themselves." Is that because all members of a group are responsible? Should all member's of the victim's group be ashamed because the victim was breaking the law, and then resisted a lawful arrest? Even the victim's family said that what happened was not racially motivated, as you imply it was.
The cops are civil servants, as is Mayor de Blasio. The Mayor is the executive in charge. His office holds policy-making authority and responsibility.
The protesters are American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. It is fair to suppose that NYC cops did not intend to kill Mr. Garner, but this hardly makes him any is less dead. The Mayor has no constitutional call to condemn the protesters.
Police unions and the Mayor's office have conflicting perspectives on policing. That's called "democracy." Refusal to carry out public duty is called "lawlessness," and as such it must be brought to account.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
The protesters are American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. It is fair to suppose that NYC cops did not intend to kill Mr. Garner, but this hardly makes him any is less dead. The Mayor has no constitutional call to condemn the protesters.
Police unions and the Mayor's office have conflicting perspectives on policing. That's called "democracy." Refusal to carry out public duty is called "lawlessness," and as such it must be brought to account.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
11
I have said it before, and I will repeat it now: De Blasio needs to take a page from Ronald Reagan's playbook when dealing with PATCO and the air traffic controllers back in the 1980s. Start firing them, one and all, for rank insubordination and dereliction of duty. It's that simple. Patrick Lynch and the PBA have thrown down a gauntlet that Gracie Mansion can not ignore.
When Lynch and the rest of them see the pink slips and disciplinary hearings start, they'll change their tune.
When Lynch and the rest of them see the pink slips and disciplinary hearings start, they'll change their tune.
11
Do the police who strangled Garner still work for NYPD?
2
What is interesting is that even without all the tickets being issued and arrest for minor infractions not being made, the city hasn't fallen apart....just goes to show how OVER regulated, controlled and burdened NYC is
8
Your oath to protect and enforce the laws should be placed above anything else. Police Officers are turning their backs on everyone not just the Mayor.
9
Fire a few cops and the rest will get the idea. Start with the ones who turned their backs on the mayor. Open contempt for one's superiors is not acceptable, especially in a paramilitary organization.
9
Hats off the the New York Police who continue to resist de Blasio. The rest of the country east of the Hudson River is cheered by the spirit of the those police exercising their right of protest.
5
They may have the right to protest but they do not have the right to stop doing their jobs.
3
The part of the country west of the Hudson River is also cheered by the spirit of the police exercising their right of protest.
1
Maybe "the rest of the country east of the Hudson" is cheered. But many of us West of the Hudson are deeply concerned by the spectacle of a paramilitary force thumbing its nose at its controlling civil leaders. If you want to live under martial law, then go ahead and cheer a police force that ignores and defies its controlling civilian authority. But please don't assume the rest of us are so willing to give up the American system of government!
4
Hardly professional, hey!
4
Everybody needs to calm down, including the mayor, the police . . . and the New York Times. If the verbal escalation on all sides continues, it is going to end very badly . . . in a sense, it already has. DeBlasio and the cops need to talk this out in private and stop attacking each other in the media, and The Times needs to give them a chance to do so
6
While those who turn their backs and twiddle their thumbs on the job believe they are showing us how good we had it and that they are under appreciated, it more loudly demonstrates on the entire city how they have miss-treated the most vulnerable among us. This about pushing the valence of power back to where it more peacefully resides.
I have seen innocent people roughed up in a stop and frisk exercise WAY beyond just asking to look in people's bags. Then when the person is obviously surprised and frightened, it was interpreted as resisting and more force was used. It was a young girl lost on the one line in central Harlem, long blonde hair, 80 pounds soaking wet. No one deserved what those police did but this incident looked like two boys ripping the legs of a spider. We have all seen this kind of thing. Then there was the very public swat team invasion of the occupy protest. It said to everyone around the world that protest against elite power from a billionaire mayor and police, many drunk with new found power, being given weapons of war against . . . what? The general public?
Yes, police work is dangerous and for that reason we give latitude like earlier, well compensated retirement, a strong union when everybody else is losing theirs. Isn't that telling every policeman how much we need and respect them?
It's the police who didn't know how good they have it and need their wings clipped.
I have seen innocent people roughed up in a stop and frisk exercise WAY beyond just asking to look in people's bags. Then when the person is obviously surprised and frightened, it was interpreted as resisting and more force was used. It was a young girl lost on the one line in central Harlem, long blonde hair, 80 pounds soaking wet. No one deserved what those police did but this incident looked like two boys ripping the legs of a spider. We have all seen this kind of thing. Then there was the very public swat team invasion of the occupy protest. It said to everyone around the world that protest against elite power from a billionaire mayor and police, many drunk with new found power, being given weapons of war against . . . what? The general public?
Yes, police work is dangerous and for that reason we give latitude like earlier, well compensated retirement, a strong union when everybody else is losing theirs. Isn't that telling every policeman how much we need and respect them?
It's the police who didn't know how good they have it and need their wings clipped.
16
If police are doing less, perhaps shootings of unarmed civilians will go down!
8
The way they measure crime rates is by how many arrests are made or tickets given, so now that crime is down 1,000% there is no need for all those cops. Fire all the ones who are collecting a paycheck but not doing any work, that is what any boss would do.
9
Certainly that was done to teachers who spent years in New York City's infamous rubber rooms. Hey, don't the cops deserve due process?
NYPD was perfectly comfortable making NYC the marijuana arrest capitol of the world for the last 20 years with stop and frisk, but when real crime approaches, they turn their backs.
7
It seems to me that many of the police in the US, and in NYC in particular, have forgotten who works for whom. They should be reminded. If necessary with a pink slip.
13
As a retired cop, I agree, and if they push Bratton too far, he will become their worst enemy. But the real problem is PBA President Lynch who is running for office with the election about two months away.
3
To protect and serve. The public. not the police union. I am a big supporter of police and the job they do in this country, but the NYP officers who have turned their backs are acting disgracefully. The protests they are upset about are justified and within the rights of the people they are supposed to protect. Blaming the mayor for the actions of a deranged killer was wrong in the extreme. Fighting their contract dispute by spewing hatred and disrespect for the mayor is wrong in the extreme. Start acting like professionals, get back to work, get back to civil contract negotiations, and get back the respect you deserve.
15
I don't believe that this is a job action on the part of the rank and file. More likely it is the consequences of low morale. Maybe the mayor can work on that.
3
Welcome to the world of public employee unions, where the unions have the power and the administration (and taxpayers) are powerless. All DeBlasio can do is give the police higher pay and benefits if he wants labor peace.
1
i always thought that CPR -- courtesy professionalism respect -- was a very high bar for the NYPD.
unfortunately, i was right
unfortunately, i was right
7
Many statements talk of how minorities are adversely affected by the police. According to the latest numbers, half of the police force is white, with 50% everyone else.
To those folks, are you saying that only white police officers are racist towards minorities?
In addition, since the police cannot legally strike, what other ways do they have of showing their displeasure other than turning their backs on a mayor who's made it plain for years that he is NOT on the side of the police? THAT is disrespect.
To those who say the police shouldn't have turned their backs at the 2 funerals: How do you know that these 2 officers Didn't agree with these sentiments? You don't, and neither do I. Do not assume.
Finally, to those who say we'll do fine with less police, that's a laugh. Who are YOU going to call if God forbid you or your family find themselves in a dangerous situation where the average person would call the police?
To those folks, are you saying that only white police officers are racist towards minorities?
In addition, since the police cannot legally strike, what other ways do they have of showing their displeasure other than turning their backs on a mayor who's made it plain for years that he is NOT on the side of the police? THAT is disrespect.
To those who say the police shouldn't have turned their backs at the 2 funerals: How do you know that these 2 officers Didn't agree with these sentiments? You don't, and neither do I. Do not assume.
Finally, to those who say we'll do fine with less police, that's a laugh. Who are YOU going to call if God forbid you or your family find themselves in a dangerous situation where the average person would call the police?
8
What do you mean by "be on the side of the police?" Is that like "my country, right or wrong?" It seems to me many policemen have very thin skins. They never admit to any flaws and if they are criticized, they become highly offended and say everyone is unappreciative of what they do. There needs to be a middle ground. The police are public employees, human beings and perform an important public service. They usually deserve and get a great deal of respect but it is a two way street. They are not infallible Gods. In a dangerous situation I would think twice about calling the police. Lately, here in L.A., they have been shooting the victims instead of the criminals.
6
@helton: If you've ever been the victim of violent crime NYC, as I have, you will likely have very little faith in the NYPD. I was nearly murdered, and the cops, stinking of weed, bumbled the police report, and proceeded to drive the wrong way as the suspects got away. Another time, I physically intervened when a man was beating a woman, and the cops refused to do anything. I know I am not alone in these experiences. Just talk to people who live in heavy crime areas.
Both the Supreme Court (in 2005) and a district judge (last year) ruled that the police have no obligation to protect the public. Cops are aware of this, but many citizens are not.
Both the Supreme Court (in 2005) and a district judge (last year) ruled that the police have no obligation to protect the public. Cops are aware of this, but many citizens are not.
4
you would think that the one thing that the police would want from citizens is respect, now by their own hand they have lost it forever. how sad for all of us
6
I believe that NYPD officers should be required to be residents of NYC. Its a lot easier for a suburban officer to put NYC families at greater risk rather than to risk his own wife and kids... Do we really need police with less than full skin in the game?
8
NYC is a fantastically expensive city. Does the City offer breaks so that public safety employees such as police and firefighters can be encouraged to live within the city limits? Many cities do this for police / firefighters / EMS / nurses / teachers.
1
What is the average age of a New York City police officer? Based on what I've been reading these past few weeks, I'd guess it is about six.
12
Afar from NY, this is a disturbing and dangerously contagious story. Mr. De Blasio was elected with great expectations for him as a future leader beyond NY. He forgot that he is no longer on the campaign trail and had the mandate to govern for all New Yorkers. Unaware of the tragic consequences of his acts he may still hold the power, but has squandered all his authority and is creating a lawless vacuum. For the sake of NYC – and maybe other large cities, it would be best if he steps down.
6
This is often the problem for the ideologue. Governance is a skill of which many politicians ludicrously deficient.
Even Obama now really is beginning to understand that campaigning, which he is good at, is very different from governing, which he is not.
Mr. de Blasio needs to quickly learn the skills necessary for the latter, because, if he doesn't, no matter how well he does at the former, his tenure in office may be limited.
Even Obama now really is beginning to understand that campaigning, which he is good at, is very different from governing, which he is not.
Mr. de Blasio needs to quickly learn the skills necessary for the latter, because, if he doesn't, no matter how well he does at the former, his tenure in office may be limited.
If by "a mandate to govern for all New Yorkers" you mean ALL New Yorkers and not just the police I agree. What were his acts you mention that begot tragic consequences? Wouldn't pointing out the fact that Baltimore sent a faxed warning several hours after the killer left Maryland as slightly more tragic? If you're referring to the fact that De Blasio was honest enough to warn his son about how to act around cops I would counter by suggesting that anything less would be naive parenting.
2
Society needs to trust the police but also make sure that the watchdogs do not bite too often or the wrong people unfairly.
In short, society needs the police to use effective AND fair methods, not effective OR fair methods.
Without civil rights upheld by the police/courts, is our society really all that civil?
In short, society needs the police to use effective AND fair methods, not effective OR fair methods.
Without civil rights upheld by the police/courts, is our society really all that civil?
3
What has happened to accountability for behavior on everyone's part? Recent editorials have put full blame on NYPD for all of society's ills, prejudices and overt racism. Why are criminals who break the law given a pass? Why are demigod advocates who line their own pockets by crying racism and are tax dodgers to boot( alleged activity of Al Sharpton) given a pass. Did I Miss the editorial decrying actions of protesters who flung garbage cans at police officers- all of whom have not stepped forward to acknowledge their brave acts? NYC MAyor took a stand vs NYPD during campaign and after Garner death- this is leadership? as a long time reader of NYTIMES I expect fair, balanced editorials on relevant issues of the times.
8
Mr. de Blasio needs to privately give Mr. Bratton an ultimatum: Get you officers to behave properly and do their jobs or you will be replaced. And follow through. And find some officers who can be shown to be shirking their duty. And fire 'em. Mr. de Blasio is the boss and was elected by the people. The police should not be running the show. Police do need to be treated properly for doing a difficult job. And they need to do it.
8
All that is missing now is a Beer Hall.
8
"The problem is that cops who refuse to do their jobs and revel in showing contempt to their civilian leaders are damaging the social order all by themselves." Word.
8
DeBlasio ran an anti police campaign for mayor (and got that overwhelming 14% of the vote of whatever joke number it was). He took an anti police stance after the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases (and those cases could not be more different except in the fact that someone died... one was a case that started with a struggle over a gun.. the other started with misdemeanor loosie selling) DeBlasio let protesters close streets and bridges (I got home one night by the skin of my teeth before the West Side Highway got shut) And now DeBlasio complains that cops don't like him? I guess protest against the police and interfering with the city is free speech if you are anti cop... protest by cops is disrespectful. DeBlasio should learn some respect himself... or maybe he should get up on time (for once) and pull a few tours on patrol in some bad neighborhood and wear NYPD blue and not have any press around... he may come back with a new found respect (and some soiled underwear)
9
Internal Investigations or a newly appointed IG needs to have people follow officers to observe them failing to do their job and then bring charges against them. Multiple bringing of disciplinary charges will start to wake up the rest and get them to perform as they are required by their job and oath. I worked in city government for 35 years and always found that someone needs to be watching workers, both to praise and reward those doing the right thing and punish those failing to do so. The police are no different.
9
This would probably all end if two things happened.
1-the Mayor apologized for backing the protesters over the police
2- he fires Al Sharpton
However, don't see this happening. This Mayor won't and can't change his stripes, after all, he was elected by an overwhelming majority. 73% of the 24% who voted!
Now that's a landslide!
1-the Mayor apologized for backing the protesters over the police
2- he fires Al Sharpton
However, don't see this happening. This Mayor won't and can't change his stripes, after all, he was elected by an overwhelming majority. 73% of the 24% who voted!
Now that's a landslide!
4
"If Mr. de Blasio’s critics are right and the city is coming unglued, it is not because of what he has done."
If that is the case, if the city were to have instead improved over the past year would the NYT say it was because of what de Blasio has done? The question does answer itself doesn't?
The mayor has either unthinkingly or foolishly provoked the police by characterizing all of them as racists to the extent that, supposedly, black children have to be trained to "deal" with it, including his own son.
That is the heart of the matter, not changing "stop and frisk".
If the situation is to improve it requires the mayor to not only change his tone but to basically apologize for the slander against the police. Until he does that, the situation can only deteriorate.
If that is the case, if the city were to have instead improved over the past year would the NYT say it was because of what de Blasio has done? The question does answer itself doesn't?
The mayor has either unthinkingly or foolishly provoked the police by characterizing all of them as racists to the extent that, supposedly, black children have to be trained to "deal" with it, including his own son.
That is the heart of the matter, not changing "stop and frisk".
If the situation is to improve it requires the mayor to not only change his tone but to basically apologize for the slander against the police. Until he does that, the situation can only deteriorate.
7
What would Ronald Reagan do with a unionized police force acting this way?
8
Bill de Blasio is no Ronald Reagan.
"If the Police Department’s current commanders cannot get the cops to do their jobs, Mr. de Blasio should consider replacing them."
With whom?
With whom?
6
The childish tantrums of the NYPD and particularly that of their union leader have done an amazing job of making the entire city and the rest of the country shake their heads and form a negative opinion of the NYPD. Among my friends and colleagues it is amazing how we are all on the same side of this issue, whether liberal or conservative, white or minority, man or woman, we all feel the NYPD has destroyed any bit of respect they deserved and any bit of respect they could have earned. They are acting like a bunch of crybabies - petulant children.
21
Their pay should be commensurate with their performance. They arae telling the city that no one has the right to oversee them. Might be time to start firing cops and adding new ones. No city can allow their police force to get out of control
13
You hit the nail on the head: they are setting a national precedent by declaring themselves un-overseeable. They are saying they can do anything they want and have the right to get aways with it. They are saying they don't make mistakes and when they do, it's somebody else's fault. The mayor should make their pay commiserate on performance. And nationwide protests should continue. They are police officers, not contract performers.
3
This is why people hate unions.
8
No, this is why people hate *public* unions.
3
I doubt seriously that the union has much to do with this disaffection with Mayor de Blasio.
The disaffection is likely so deep that the unions can stand quietly on the sideline in the surety that the rank-and-file can speak adequately for themselves.
The disaffection is likely so deep that the unions can stand quietly on the sideline in the surety that the rank-and-file can speak adequately for themselves.
In October, 2011, the Bronx DA indicted 11 police officers for fixing tickets on behalf of family and friends. PBA members and Patrick Lynch rallied in support of these cop-lawbreakers. As NYC news organizations reported then They jeered at the DA. Some tried to intimidate cameramen. Many held signs saying that fixing tickets was part of the "NYPD culture."
Patrick Lynch and the PBA belong in the 19th century New York of Boss Tweed.
Patrick Lynch and the PBA belong in the 19th century New York of Boss Tweed.
16
NYPD acts like they've been horribly, unjustly, mis-characterized by the Mayor, the NYT, and the public in general. It's as if they've never had any members do anything wrong. Eric Garner, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, etc., all of them died at the hands of cops, but apparently the cops were all innocent. Really?
Does the inherent danger of the job absolve all cops of any wrong doing? Abusive cops shouldn't, and don't, represent all cops and I think the NYPD would want them out as well. I don't see where the Mayor pointing that fact out "hurts" the entire NYPD.
Does the inherent danger of the job absolve all cops of any wrong doing? Abusive cops shouldn't, and don't, represent all cops and I think the NYPD would want them out as well. I don't see where the Mayor pointing that fact out "hurts" the entire NYPD.
16
On a trip to New York in November, I bought an NYPD cap to wear to honor the New York police who so bravely sacrificed their lives on 9/11. The current actions of the NYPD make me reluctant to wear it.
12
Decades ago, factory workers figured out that when they went on strike, they could keep scabs out by doing a "sit-in" -- that is, sitting at work and not working. This is exactly what the police are doing. So let's call our current situation what it is -- a strike. The fact that the strike hasn't been declared, or that it is uncoordinated (if you believe that), doesn't change what it is.
As Calvin Coolidge said, "There is no right to strike against the public safety by anyone, anywhere, anytime."
Mayor De Blasio should make it clear that he sees police officers' behavior as a strike that attacks the people of New York City as well as the administration, and that he is willing to ask Governor Cuomo to send in the New York National Guard in order to ensure our continued safety. Perhaps when the police realize they are expendable they will start doing their jobs. And if not, good riddance.
As Calvin Coolidge said, "There is no right to strike against the public safety by anyone, anywhere, anytime."
Mayor De Blasio should make it clear that he sees police officers' behavior as a strike that attacks the people of New York City as well as the administration, and that he is willing to ask Governor Cuomo to send in the New York National Guard in order to ensure our continued safety. Perhaps when the police realize they are expendable they will start doing their jobs. And if not, good riddance.
5
And this is THE GREATEST Police department in the Universe; God help us.
7
This is typical of government and its workers particularly in a place like NY. Who really cares if Deblasio or the NYPD is being disrespected in their petty scuffle? The people who are really being disrespected are the taxpayers. DeBlasio has given protestors run of the city and insulted the NYPD who 90% of the time does the right thing. This does not in anyway give the NYPD the right to stop doing their job. If they want to make a political statement by striking fine go ahead BUT don't accept a pay check. Both DeBlasio and NYPD need to do their jobs. Deblasio needs to install policies that lead to order, safety and fairness with regards to the protestors and the NYPD need to go back to doing their job.
3
You know what gave the protesters "the run of the city"? The Constitution of the United States of America! If the general populace has a beef they're fully allowed to take it to the streets. That's how this country was founded, so to say protesting needs to be curbed is to deny the basic tenet of our democracy.
2
Remarkable that the Times can editorialize on this topic without mentioning, in its most critical tones, the name of Patrick Lynch, self-important blowhard NYPD Union head.
4
The mayor accuses the policemen of disrespecting the fallen officers and their families by their actions. Meanwhile Mrs. de Blasio wears jeans to Officer Lui's funeral?
7
Well that is just a lie, you can google the images. He's in a suite and tie.
Some years ago a NPR special featured a retired NYC firefighter, John Vigiano, who lost two sons on 9/11: John Jr., also a firefighter, and his younger brother Joe, a police officer. Both died in the World Trade Center.
John was close to both of his sons. He talked to each of them every day. He recalled how around 3:30 on September 10 he talked to John Jr. They ended the call by saying, “I love you.”
The next morning Joe called him and told him the earliest details of the attacks. That call also ended with ‘I love you.’ John Vigiano told NPR, ‘We had the boys, John for thirty-four years, Joe for thirty-two. I don’t have any could’ves, should’ves, or would’ves. I wouldn’t change anything. It’s not many people that the last words they said to their son or daughter was ‘I love you.’”
The uniform of NYCity police is a symbol of courage and dedication. Protesting at a funeral takes away nothing from the sacrifices of so many and their memory, but it doers damage today and future respect.
John was close to both of his sons. He talked to each of them every day. He recalled how around 3:30 on September 10 he talked to John Jr. They ended the call by saying, “I love you.”
The next morning Joe called him and told him the earliest details of the attacks. That call also ended with ‘I love you.’ John Vigiano told NPR, ‘We had the boys, John for thirty-four years, Joe for thirty-two. I don’t have any could’ves, should’ves, or would’ves. I wouldn’t change anything. It’s not many people that the last words they said to their son or daughter was ‘I love you.’”
The uniform of NYCity police is a symbol of courage and dedication. Protesting at a funeral takes away nothing from the sacrifices of so many and their memory, but it doers damage today and future respect.
4
The NYC police officers are upset because their boss supposedly criticized them. Gee whiz, how many bosses criticized their employees – million per day? And can you imagine what would happen in the “real” world if employees stopped working because their bosses shouted criticisms that were not true? In the “real” world I’d be unemployed if I turned my back on my boss because he made statements that I thought were wrong – disrespectful – mean – etc. Bottom-line, the NYPD is reinforcing the stereotype that union employees are spoiled. Unlike NYPD, most free-enterprise employees don’t have sweet pension plans … or any type of retirement plan; most do not have low cost healthcare plans; most are lucky to get 10 vacation days per year; most can’t even dream of retiring before age 65. Former mayor Giuliani claims to be a stronger believer in capitalism – a believer in strong CEOs that act as LEADERS. Thus, in the “real” business world, what would a strong CEO do if their employees refused to do their job?
7
Hypothetical for the editorial board of the Times. What if the police officers were taking exactly the same actions to protest policing tactics mandated by superiors that the NY Times and others don't like (e.g. stop and frisk, broken window, etc)? Would the editorial board still be opposed to the protest by the officers, or would the board support it?
6
You really are missing the real point of the editorial, which is about the police staging a "slow-down" in order to make the point that they do not welcome oversight or criticism. This editorial and a previous one both make the same argument: We cannot have an armed bureaucracy that thinks itself above our laws. We cannot. Who would wish for that?
4
Why is The Times so biased? They write "This deplorable gesture is bound to increase tension in a city already rattled over the killing by the police of an unarmed man, Eric Garner, last summer." They make it sound as if Garner was simply executed, make no mention that Garner was resisting a lawful arrest or that Garner was violating a law that the Mayor and police brass wanted enforced.
The Times has been an eloquent critic of Bratton's "broken windows" policy and has called for the end of the "broken windows" policy. Yet, this Editorial seems to support Bratton's "broken windows" policy and wants to see it enforced. Which is it?
The Times has been an eloquent critic of Bratton's "broken windows" policy and has called for the end of the "broken windows" policy. Yet, this Editorial seems to support Bratton's "broken windows" policy and wants to see it enforced. Which is it?
9
The picture I have of our police forces is now this:
When they are "working" they harass minorities and whoever else they feel like, kill people with incompetence and panic, over-mobilize force for minor issues, and basically act like gigantic cowards.
When they are not working, they act like a bunch of fratboys at Rich University. They demonstrate clearly that they are bored, hostile, not very smart, and not really needed to 'police' anyone.
Can the lot of them. Hire back only people with clean backgrounds, and IQ's over 100 please. I have read they actually won't hire people smarter than that . . . I believe that is a huge mistake. We need fewer, smarter cops. Not an armed, belligerent occupying force that views itself as above the very law they are to enforce, and acts as if every citizen is already a criminal and they will 'decide' when it's convenient for them to do their jobs.
Worse than pathetic and despicable. Intolerable. I don't live in NY but I surely think Mayor de Blasio is in a position to change cop culture nationwide. I hope he's serious. If something doesn't change out of the recent string of ridiculous events, things will just get worse and more people will be killed.
When they are "working" they harass minorities and whoever else they feel like, kill people with incompetence and panic, over-mobilize force for minor issues, and basically act like gigantic cowards.
When they are not working, they act like a bunch of fratboys at Rich University. They demonstrate clearly that they are bored, hostile, not very smart, and not really needed to 'police' anyone.
Can the lot of them. Hire back only people with clean backgrounds, and IQ's over 100 please. I have read they actually won't hire people smarter than that . . . I believe that is a huge mistake. We need fewer, smarter cops. Not an armed, belligerent occupying force that views itself as above the very law they are to enforce, and acts as if every citizen is already a criminal and they will 'decide' when it's convenient for them to do their jobs.
Worse than pathetic and despicable. Intolerable. I don't live in NY but I surely think Mayor de Blasio is in a position to change cop culture nationwide. I hope he's serious. If something doesn't change out of the recent string of ridiculous events, things will just get worse and more people will be killed.
14
Are you suggesting that engaging in racial discrimination is the solution to this problem?
You are aware that racial discrimination in hiring is a violation of state and federal law, and a willful disregard of the Constitution of the United States?
Or are you one of those that also think gerrymandering is an insidious, spiteful practice...except when YOU are in the position to redraw the lines to establish majority minority districts to further the elements of your agenda?
You are aware that racial discrimination in hiring is a violation of state and federal law, and a willful disregard of the Constitution of the United States?
Or are you one of those that also think gerrymandering is an insidious, spiteful practice...except when YOU are in the position to redraw the lines to establish majority minority districts to further the elements of your agenda?
1
My thoughts are that cops feel they are above the law. And they are. The few cops convicted of anything serious, and I'm speaking around the country, not just in NYC, speaks very loudly to them. They are above the law and seem to believe they are beyond criticism, egged on by far-right union leaders. If these people, licensed to carry guns, permitted to attack and harm or kill people in the course of their duties, cannot withstand a little criticism, we have a much bigger problem than insubordination.
One other note: they cannot demand respect, they have to earn it.
One other note: they cannot demand respect, they have to earn it.
21
What the police are doing now is another manifestation of their thinking that they are above the law.
21
Union leader Lynch's inflammatory statements need to be deconstructed.
For example. a father telling his black son to be cooperative with the police because any human being, police officers or civilians, can make mistakes if
they think they are threatened with resistance--- is not an anti-police statement. Maybe the Mayor should have spelled out how he put it more specifically, but I am sure that is what he meant. For Lynch to declare with a thunderous voice that the Mayor was anti-police because of his statement --- was shrewd but a malicious reframing on the level of a Koch Brothers advertisement.
Another time, Lynch declared that if you can pronounce the words "I can't breath" --- it means that you are breathing. How ridiculous is that in the face of the cause of death pronounced by the medical examiner as due to the choke hold. If you are starting to lose your breath you can still speak until all your breath has been withheld completely. Hold your breath for a nano-second or two and see for yourself that you can still say, "I can't breath."
Lynch has to be exposed as a shrewd but malicious one man propaganda machine.
For example. a father telling his black son to be cooperative with the police because any human being, police officers or civilians, can make mistakes if
they think they are threatened with resistance--- is not an anti-police statement. Maybe the Mayor should have spelled out how he put it more specifically, but I am sure that is what he meant. For Lynch to declare with a thunderous voice that the Mayor was anti-police because of his statement --- was shrewd but a malicious reframing on the level of a Koch Brothers advertisement.
Another time, Lynch declared that if you can pronounce the words "I can't breath" --- it means that you are breathing. How ridiculous is that in the face of the cause of death pronounced by the medical examiner as due to the choke hold. If you are starting to lose your breath you can still speak until all your breath has been withheld completely. Hold your breath for a nano-second or two and see for yourself that you can still say, "I can't breath."
Lynch has to be exposed as a shrewd but malicious one man propaganda machine.
8
I recall students at TUSD's Tucson High turning their backs when forced to attend an assembly so the GOP's education secretary could lecture them on civics when his ral audience was FOX News.
He's made a haystacking of a previous Mexican American icon for her words to same student, and decided to push it by punishing the children for listening to her by making them listen to his deputy dog. Like they had a choice, they were students attending an assembly, but the grown ups were gonna teach them another lesson...The GOP's proposal..."We do NOT hate Mexicans. Can't you understand our English?"
So these twice schooled children were made the offenders for turning their backs for being forced to attend to PR ruses, and the secretary of education claimed victimhood for their incivility. Like he hadn't trumpeted his breakdown on FOX for a fortnight.
How is this like that? Fools and their words are never separated. Huerta got hammered for saying it, but the GOP sent in their crooked secretary to prove it.
He's made a haystacking of a previous Mexican American icon for her words to same student, and decided to push it by punishing the children for listening to her by making them listen to his deputy dog. Like they had a choice, they were students attending an assembly, but the grown ups were gonna teach them another lesson...The GOP's proposal..."We do NOT hate Mexicans. Can't you understand our English?"
So these twice schooled children were made the offenders for turning their backs for being forced to attend to PR ruses, and the secretary of education claimed victimhood for their incivility. Like he hadn't trumpeted his breakdown on FOX for a fortnight.
How is this like that? Fools and their words are never separated. Huerta got hammered for saying it, but the GOP sent in their crooked secretary to prove it.
DeBlasio is the guy in charge and is reaping the effects of his disgraceful and foolish statements. The buck stops with him period!! His mismanagement of the entire situation was made worse by the silly remarks by Obama and Sharpton's race baiting, but DeBlasio is responsible and he has failed. He is never getting the support of the police and NYC will suffer. When you elect incompetence, bad things happen.
10
What were his 'foolish' statements? And when and in what cirumstances did he make them?
3
The mayor and protesters get all up in arms when the police actually enforce the low-level crimes. The mayor and the protesters are getting the police service they asked for.
2
De Blasio is demanding respect he's not willing to give.
And he's surprised at the outcome?
And he's surprised at the outcome?
6
"It was the best of times, It was the worst of times" A Tale of Two Cities. Best of Times, 20 years of Giuliani & Bloomberg, Worst of times, one year of DeBlasio.
Support the NYPD, your life may depend on it!
Support the NYPD, your life may depend on it!
5
My quick read of these comments would indicate that most of the writers have given little consideration to how much the quality of life in your great city improved under the previous two administrations. As someone who has visited NYC several times a year since the mid 1970s, it is clear you today benefit from a much improved quality of life that allows a vibrant, exciting culture to exist. Broken windows policing, while not the only factor, played a major role in this change. Moving away from it now would be a catastrophic mistake.
4
Thank goodness the Times Ed Board is de escalating the situation. Perhaps you might ponder why the cops are acting this way independent of their unions. That would be a start. Then, you might ask the cops how to improve policing in NYC while addressing the concerns of the African American community. That might also help.
If you really cared, you might all go and ride with a cop or walk with a cop for a day to get a better handle on the situation. That might be a start. Then listen to experts on how to better do the job while being sensitive to the African American community.
But, right now, you are also a rock thrower and not really helping the problem.
If you really cared, you might all go and ride with a cop or walk with a cop for a day to get a better handle on the situation. That might be a start. Then listen to experts on how to better do the job while being sensitive to the African American community.
But, right now, you are also a rock thrower and not really helping the problem.
9
This Editorial is right on. Yes, we do have problems. Let's solve them, not escalate them. Point made. Now put it to rest and act like adults. It's gone too far. Of course, the Mayor supports the police. Of course the Mayor said some very stupid things. Community leaders said some very stupid things too. Everyone, including myself has said stupid things. Let's recognize that and move on. Let's fix it. You've got some citizens who may not be mentally stable digesting this media battle and acting irrationally (crazy, really) and innocent cops, beloved fathers, sons and husbands die. Enough of the nonsense. Let's invoke the spirit of former Governor Cuomo who has just passed. Let's love each other and work together to make it better. It won't be easy, but we're tough enough to do it.
3
With public sector unions under scrutiny in this country, I don't see how the obdurate behavior of the NYPD labor force translates into understanding and sympathy for the cause.
2
“All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable imitations when applied to public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of Government make it impossible for administrative officials to represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions with Government employee organizations. The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in many instances restricted, by laws which establish policies, procedures, or rules in personnel matters. Particularly, I want to emphasize my conviction that militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of Government employees. Upon employees in the Federal service rests the obligation to serve the whole people, whose interests and welfare require orderliness and continuity in the conduct of Government activities. This obligation is paramount. Since their own services have to do with the functioning of the Government, a strike of public employees manifests nothing less than an intent on their part to prevent or obstruct the operations of Government until their demands are satisfied. Such action, looking toward the paralysis of Government by those who have sworn to support it, is unthinkable and intolerable.”
2
"He (the mayor) should remind the police that they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws."
And who should remind the president that he too is a public employee, under oath to uphold the laws? The board's inconsistency and hypocrisy are quite pungent.
And who should remind the president that he too is a public employee, under oath to uphold the laws? The board's inconsistency and hypocrisy are quite pungent.
3
Fewer summonses and tickets mean a big loss of expected revenue for city government, but it also means millions in fines and legal costs will instead be spent in the neighborhoods where these scofflaws reside giving a trickle-up boost to the local economy.
All too often putting on the uniform of police is interpreted as a right to take actions that otherwise would not be considered. There must be an immediate investigation of the refusal to reasonably enforce laws by a significant number of unidentified officers.
At least those who disrespectfully turned their backs to the mayor at the funerals didn't hide their identity.
At least those who disrespectfully turned their backs to the mayor at the funerals didn't hide their identity.
2
I write this from distant Albuquerque where the police department is being investigted by the Justice Department for it's shoot to kill first culture. When cops spin out of control as is the case in Albuquerque and other department's across the country then something is rotten at the core and needs to be rooted out. The rot is rarely due to one thing but is more likely due to deep systemic failure at many points over a period of time. In the case of New York the Mayor made some ill advised personal remarks about his family and the police. The response? Public servants stick it in the eye of authority, thumb their collective noses at upholding the day to day safety of citizens, shamefully use highly politicized funerals to show their distain for the Mayor, and choose to do a work show down. From far off Albuquerque it looks like the NYPD is fraying and there is definitely some systemic rot running through it's veins that has been burbling there long before DeBlasio became Mayor. What do the cops and their handlers hope to gain from this? I will leave that question to sociologist's to ponder. But listen up citizens of New York -- you must insist that cops uphold their end of the public trust bargain. They are public servants, not a gang. And if you don't like DeBlasio then get off your butts and vote him out. Don't be part of the rot!
4
Is it really Mayor De Blasio the police are turning their backs on? Or is it all of us, the public?
Are the statements the mayor made about the Garner and Ferguson incidents the issue? His statements were gentle compared to the opinions stated commonly and widely, in the press, on social media, and around dinner tables. And of course it is the public that is affected by this de facto strike.
What message do the police intend to send with this strike? What outcome do they envision?
We are in the process of reconsidering the nature of the relationship between the police and the public. Unfolding events strengthen the view that the police are at war with the public--now it seems they also see it that way.
Are the statements the mayor made about the Garner and Ferguson incidents the issue? His statements were gentle compared to the opinions stated commonly and widely, in the press, on social media, and around dinner tables. And of course it is the public that is affected by this de facto strike.
What message do the police intend to send with this strike? What outcome do they envision?
We are in the process of reconsidering the nature of the relationship between the police and the public. Unfolding events strengthen the view that the police are at war with the public--now it seems they also see it that way.
4
The Blue Wall Mafia needs to be broken up like any other mafia organization.
They seem to have trouble accepting the fact that bullying for a living is wrong.
Many cops need psychological counseling, but without it, many are just bullies with a badge and no self-awareness that part of their staff has a strong preference for blatant Whites R Us racist law enforcement.
The NYPD has now lost the respect of a significant portion of the public with their record of racist policing and their attempt to bully the Mayor, once again resorting to their worst selfish instincts.
The police should resign if they don't want to work instead of carrying on like embarrassing kindergarten cops.
They seem to have trouble accepting the fact that bullying for a living is wrong.
Many cops need psychological counseling, but without it, many are just bullies with a badge and no self-awareness that part of their staff has a strong preference for blatant Whites R Us racist law enforcement.
The NYPD has now lost the respect of a significant portion of the public with their record of racist policing and their attempt to bully the Mayor, once again resorting to their worst selfish instincts.
The police should resign if they don't want to work instead of carrying on like embarrassing kindergarten cops.
3
The NYT Ed. Board has once again demonstrated its naive, adolescent point of view. They cheer on lawless civil disobedience in almost every situation yet malign the NYPD for demonstrating its well-founded dismay at a Mayor that blames the results of strong policing on the police rather than on the insubordinate/criminal behavior of the community.
Assignment of blame cannot be surgically determined. It certainly cannot be left to the mob of offended groups or the alarmist bent of the media to assign guilt. Strong police discipline can be combined with strong policing, but not when the Mayor of the city is the main proponent of an emotional, visceral (and usually incorrect) response to every ambiguous situation.
Assignment of blame cannot be surgically determined. It certainly cannot be left to the mob of offended groups or the alarmist bent of the media to assign guilt. Strong police discipline can be combined with strong policing, but not when the Mayor of the city is the main proponent of an emotional, visceral (and usually incorrect) response to every ambiguous situation.
3
Here is my take on the racial disparities in the police force. If minorities want change in the police department, then join them. You can only do so much politicking. Police departments have problems with finding minorities willing to join THEIR police department. The best way to get change is from within. Empathy is the key word here. If minorities join police, they will have first hand knowledge of the difficulties of the job. And in the some token, if police get more minorities on their force, they will know how to better manage race relations with the community. But minorities need to be willing to take responsibility and enter the police force.
1
I don't know if you've read the articles, but according to many black officers they get treated as badly as any other black person by white cops when they're off duty. There were accounts of black off duty officers being stopped and searched and thrown up against walls for "resisting arrest." It is 2015 not 1930, if NYPD officers still haven't learned that not all black people are criminals, then there is a bigger problem with the department than "not enough diversity."
3
The NYC police force's choice not to do their jobs fully says to the world, don't expect help from a cop in NYC if you're in trouble. The blame will not accrue to the mayor -- it will accrue to the cops. Nonetheless, the reputation of tne entire city will suffer. Remember how people chose not to visit NYC in the 1970s because it had the reputation of being crime-ridden and dangerous? Not good for business, tourism, tax revenues, etc. -- and these impressions, once made, can take years to change.
2
I used to and still want to trust the police. Although my recently adopted mantra is "Trust no one except God," I remember traveling on business to New York City and finding myself abandoned at Grand Central Station. Spotting a black police officer in the crowd, I asked him to watch my luggage while I made a phone call. I trusted him. When I returned, he told me, "Lady, don't ever do that again!" He then walked me to a cab, deposited me and my luggage into the backseat, and told the driver to take me to my destination on Wall Street. That was in the '70's. I would never travel alone in NYC now!
You just don't get it. Besides the police action moving us off the topic of needed police reforms like community policing and civilian review boards, this protest has been morphed into a clean defiance of electoral results. When a group of armed civilian municipal employees decides to defy electoral results and undermine civil order, chain of command the rights of citizens they consider not worthy to hold these rights, then we are talking of a tacit coup, not a union action. This impression is deepened when conservative leaders like Giuliani make incendiary comments designed to aggravate the situation. Conservatives - are unions a threat to the country except when they are a threat to elected liberal governments, then you look the other way? Police rank and file - why should civilians believe your protestations of good will and probity when your loyalty to elected officials evaporates when they come from the "wrong" party and openly challenge your self-assumed right to determine whether you need a review of any problematic actions on your part?
7
I guess the Editorial Board finds that the police should not use their discretion in determining which laws to enforce because "they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws."
I guess that the Board feels the same way about President Obama and immigration, pot, etc. on upholding Federal law?
Given the complete lack of respect the Mayor shows to the police (having to teach his biracial son about the "danger" of the police); the disrespect seems to go both ways.
While I do not feel the police should stop enforcing the law, it would be helpful if the Mayor tried to support the ones who put their lives in danger (or give those lives) in doing their duty.
Respect goes both ways. You can support your employees while having to deal with disciplinary actions. You just have to do it with respect. Mr. de Blasio should learn some basic management skills and forget the political grandstanding.
The Board should also stop grandstanding.
I guess that the Board feels the same way about President Obama and immigration, pot, etc. on upholding Federal law?
Given the complete lack of respect the Mayor shows to the police (having to teach his biracial son about the "danger" of the police); the disrespect seems to go both ways.
While I do not feel the police should stop enforcing the law, it would be helpful if the Mayor tried to support the ones who put their lives in danger (or give those lives) in doing their duty.
Respect goes both ways. You can support your employees while having to deal with disciplinary actions. You just have to do it with respect. Mr. de Blasio should learn some basic management skills and forget the political grandstanding.
The Board should also stop grandstanding.
1
I guess the Editorial Board finds that the police should not use their discretion in determining which laws to enforce because "they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws."
I guess that the Board feels the same way about President Obama and immigration, pot, etc. on upholding Federal law?
Given the complete lack of respect the Mayor shows to the police (having to teach his biracial son about the "danger" of the police); the disrespect seems to go both ways.
While I do not feel the police should stop enforcing the law, it would be helpful if the Mayor tried to support the ones who put their lives in danger (or give those lives) in doing their duty.
Respect goes both ways. You can support your employees while having to deal with disciplinary actions. You just have to do it with respect. Mr. de Blasio should learn some basic management skills and forget the political grandstanding.
The Board should also stop grandstanding.
I guess that the Board feels the same way about President Obama and immigration, pot, etc. on upholding Federal law?
Given the complete lack of respect the Mayor shows to the police (having to teach his biracial son about the "danger" of the police); the disrespect seems to go both ways.
While I do not feel the police should stop enforcing the law, it would be helpful if the Mayor tried to support the ones who put their lives in danger (or give those lives) in doing their duty.
Respect goes both ways. You can support your employees while having to deal with disciplinary actions. You just have to do it with respect. Mr. de Blasio should learn some basic management skills and forget the political grandstanding.
The Board should also stop grandstanding.
5
the nypd is demonstrating what protesters allege: a very large gulf between police and the citizenry for whom they work.
voters elected the mayor with a very large margin. who elected the police union, etc.? yes, it's time for unit commanders to impose strict compliance guidelines on the nypd. or be terminated.
if police are not doing their jobs, as statistics graphically show, they should be prepared for pay reductions, at least.
individual cops need to be very very sure they are "following" the advice of people who understand the consequences of what they are doing.
voters elected the mayor with a very large margin. who elected the police union, etc.? yes, it's time for unit commanders to impose strict compliance guidelines on the nypd. or be terminated.
if police are not doing their jobs, as statistics graphically show, they should be prepared for pay reductions, at least.
individual cops need to be very very sure they are "following" the advice of people who understand the consequences of what they are doing.
3
Mandatory overtime to cover the protests. Attending 2 funerals of executed brethren. The mayors comments coupled with the protesters attitudes, it's no surprise that tickets are down. When you are tired and disheartened it is hard to have the same enthusiastic vigor to go out and do your job. How much time and money has been wasted to protect peoples right to protest even when they don't have the facts of what they are protesting? They are operating on false narratives and focusing on issues that are not the main problem.
3
When uniformed police officers turn their back on a New York City mayor who was elected by an overwhelming majority of citizens, they're not turning their backs on Bill de Blasio, they're turning their backs on the will of the people who elected him to take the city in a progressive new direction. They are turning their backs on the people they are sworn to "protect and serve", and they are breaking the promise they make by putting on the uniform. If the police want to exercise their right to protest, they have to do it out of uniform - as citizens, not officers of the law. The mayor's duty is to the electorate, not the police union, and he needs to make that very clear.
11
What world are you living in when you say DeBlasio was elected by an overwhelming majority?
Would you say the number of protesters screaming 'what do we want dead cops' was about equal to the number of cops who turned their back? Or was it a substantially larger number?
You say you can paint the entire police population by the actions of a few. But not the protestors. They were mostly peaceful and that' s all she wrote.
But wait--all you are waiting for is the cops to condemn their colleagues.
But wait--where are the peaceful protesters condemning the 'what do we want dead cops' contingent? That condemnation wasn't widespread, because I never saw it at all.
You say you can paint the entire police population by the actions of a few. But not the protestors. They were mostly peaceful and that' s all she wrote.
But wait--all you are waiting for is the cops to condemn their colleagues.
But wait--where are the peaceful protesters condemning the 'what do we want dead cops' contingent? That condemnation wasn't widespread, because I never saw it at all.
4
Broken windows policing was enacted to make liberals feel safe from squeegee men, and Eric Garner was a victim of those policies. What we should be calling for is an end to racist hyper-policing that criminalizes harmless activity that people engage in in order to survive. So, yes, the cops should listen to the mayor and do their jobs. But first, let's change what the job is.
3
If DeBlasio wanted a public repudiation of the broken windows policy that he and every liberal deplore because it ensnared too many young black men in the justice system he should have been careful what he wished for, because he certainly has gotten it, just not from the public quarter, who are all about the police not arresting for minor offenses.... until they are the victims of small crime. He got a slow down of broken windows from the cops, a policy which the NYT has been vehement about reforming (read: got rid of) along with the rest of the progressive world, but because that slow down is coming from the cops themselves, it cannot be countenanced and every last cop must be fired yesterday (a policy much in vogue on these message boards, and also one which your average liberal New Yorker better hope doesn't come true lest he be holing up in his or her apartment as if they lived in Aleppo Syria). Either support the police and the justice system which has found on several occasions (rightfully so) that they are not responsible when out of control citizenry do things that endanger the cops on the street, or do not support them and live with the consequences. DeBlasio, siding with your average "broken windows" crime committer comes at a price, and he is now reaping that price. Best DeBlasio issue an apology and hope it is accepted, so that the city can move forward.
3
DiBlasio had better get his arms around the city he was elected to govern. A city like New York need leadership, strength and courage to do the things necessary to ensure the lawful and peaceful safety of its citizens. Lawlessness by the select few must never be tolerated under any conditions. The police, hired to protect the city's individuals must be allowed to do their job without fear so they can actually protect themselves and the people of the city! DiBlasio, stop and pull the city back to the great city it was before you got elected and move forward to a city where all of its people feel safe and respected! Especially the police...they will be the first professionals you call when you have trouble. Don't worry too much about Dante...if you have raised him as I'm sure you did, to respect the law, police and other authorities, he will be fine, as long as he stays out of trouble!
1
We should keep in mind that not all the cops are on board with the "disrespect the mayor" movement. Since the de Blasio has been entirely respectful of the police, one can only wonder how much of this rude petulance is purely political, egged on by a rightwing media who cannot stand to have an avowed "liberal" as Mayor of New York City.
3
Since crime seems to be way down and many of the NYPD are basically on strike while on duty, it seems clear that the NYPD could stand a major reduction in force. I suggest starting with those in the NYPD who turned their backs on the mayor as he spoke at the two funerals.
I do not doubt that there are many good NYPD officers who are loyal to their oath. However, if they do not want to all be lumped in with the many bad apples, they must be vocal in stating that they do not support the actions nor the attitudes of those bad apples. Until they do so, they are all suspect. Remember, in NYC, the whole world really is watching.
I do not doubt that there are many good NYPD officers who are loyal to their oath. However, if they do not want to all be lumped in with the many bad apples, they must be vocal in stating that they do not support the actions nor the attitudes of those bad apples. Until they do so, they are all suspect. Remember, in NYC, the whole world really is watching.
6
I would also point out that this verges on a coup attempt by reactionaries that want to overturn the result of a fair election that they didn't win. The orchestrated criticism coming from Giuliani and others can only be interpreted thusly. We should all be afraid when a law enforcement group reorganizes as an armed paramilitary group who decides whether they should be controlled by civilian authorities or not.
Where is the right wing about THIS union overreach? Do unions get a pass if they are conservative and they disrupt liberal policies? Opportunistic, anti democratic and thuggish is what I call it.
Where is the right wing about THIS union overreach? Do unions get a pass if they are conservative and they disrupt liberal policies? Opportunistic, anti democratic and thuggish is what I call it.
8
Ronald Reagan ordered the firing of 11,000 striking air traffic controllers on 5 August 1981...with a lifetime ban on rehiring them. Such a move should be contemplated in this case.
7
There are five ways of managing a conflict:
1) Accommodating
2) Avoiding
3) Collaborating
4) Competing
5) Compromising
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-conflict-management-d...
It seems like the police unions and Mayor de Blasio are sticking with the "competing' approach, where one side wants to beat the other one, and this standoff is not surprising. The police unions are doing the same thing that other public unions do (which the NY Times normally supports, BTW). Mayor de Blasio is showing is an amateur and is unable to adapt. And the NY Times editorial doubles down on the Mayor's side with the same approach.
Instead, everyone should suggest a collaborating strategy, possibly with a mediator, that will lead to a "win-win" and achieve the most common goals. That is the only way to serve the interests of everyone in the city.
1) Accommodating
2) Avoiding
3) Collaborating
4) Competing
5) Compromising
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-conflict-management-d...
It seems like the police unions and Mayor de Blasio are sticking with the "competing' approach, where one side wants to beat the other one, and this standoff is not surprising. The police unions are doing the same thing that other public unions do (which the NY Times normally supports, BTW). Mayor de Blasio is showing is an amateur and is unable to adapt. And the NY Times editorial doubles down on the Mayor's side with the same approach.
Instead, everyone should suggest a collaborating strategy, possibly with a mediator, that will lead to a "win-win" and achieve the most common goals. That is the only way to serve the interests of everyone in the city.
Surgres,
Let's start with an indictment for murder by the white cop who murdered an unarmed black man at Staten Island....then mediate.
Let's start with an indictment for murder by the white cop who murdered an unarmed black man at Staten Island....then mediate.
3
Where are conservatives on this issue blasting the heavy handed union tactics of the police, their "strike-in-place" job action and, the grand daddy of them all, the effects of their pension costs on the taxpayer; you know, that whole "maker versus taker" theme.
Oh, wait, the mayor of NY is a liberal Democrat. Never mind.
Oh, wait, the mayor of NY is a liberal Democrat. Never mind.
9
You know when I disagree with my boss and refuse to do my job I get fired....on the spot, indeed if I showed the disrespect for the head of my organization, as many police officers have, I would also be fired immediately. What we are seeing is clearly an organized effort by the PBA to make a "statement" and we all know what that statement is. The PBA should be decertified forthwith and all of its members should have to reapply for their jobs while allowing to serve on a temporary basis. And if the current crop of officers don't like it they can quit...which it looks like they have already done.
11
Did you feel this way when state workers in Wisconsin showed disrespect to its governor?
Wow, law enforcement is down 90%? Sounds like police ranks can be cut back by 90%. If 90% of them are now twiddling their thumbs doing nothing and crime is down anyway, what exactly are we paying them for?
7
I was down in Brooklyn on the day of the first funeral visiting my brother. Traffic on the Belt Parkway finally eased up a little, and then suddenly there were sirens and police cars racing through, probably a dozen in all in small groups over a minute or two. Cars pulled over quickly with a few fenders nearly kissing. I was wondering what sort of conflagration was occuring when I realized that these police cars were not NYPD: they were from Jersey and who knows where else, out of their jurisdiction. Then we realized they had been attending the funeral. I asked my wife, "Now why do you suppose they did that?" and she said "Because they can."
This kind of adolescent behavior, and turning the turning of backs at a funeral, do not help the police retain the respect of the public.
This kind of adolescent behavior, and turning the turning of backs at a funeral, do not help the police retain the respect of the public.
13
These actions by the N.Y police [or rather non actions] are petty and spiteful.
They should be ashamed of themselves and grow up. They're acting like two year olds, and would we give a gun to a two year old?
They should be ashamed of themselves and grow up. They're acting like two year olds, and would we give a gun to a two year old?
7
Mayor DeBlasio has made it clear that he will blame the police if something goes wrong while they are enforcing the law, and the Times has made it clear that it supports that view. It is either very ignorant, or very arrogant (or perhaps both) to pretend that a certain reluctance to enforce the law in minor matters is an inevitable result.
2
I support unions & union action – when it’s clear what they want. Because they are the police, they should protest - peacefully, with signs saying what they want – when off-duty
What DO they want? Not the mayor’s silence; they’re angry about something (true) he already said. Do they want him to say he was wrong, when they’re proving how right he was? Do they want to force him out of office? Then call it what it is: an attempted coup
If they’re angry about being criticized & questioned - they should GROW UP. Why shouldn’t they taste what every other non-CEO in the nation is going through? Whatever they want, it isn’t worth what they are squandering – the respect & confidence of NYC & the huge esteem in which the NYPD has been held worldwide since 9/11
So far, except for less city income (can it be withheld from their salaries?), it seems there’s been no serious result. (But don’t forget - Son of Sam was caught because of a parking ticket!)
If terrorists act now, the police slowdown will be seen as a much clearer invitation than was true of the mayor’s words & the murder of the two officers
If it keeps up, they should be suspended, without pay, for a week. Call in National Guard MP units from across the nation to take their place, the ones who would respond if NYPD ranks were decimated honorably by a storm or terrorists, which is what they’re close to becoming & certainly abetting. Afterwards, anyone who doesn’t return & actually work should be fired.
What DO they want? Not the mayor’s silence; they’re angry about something (true) he already said. Do they want him to say he was wrong, when they’re proving how right he was? Do they want to force him out of office? Then call it what it is: an attempted coup
If they’re angry about being criticized & questioned - they should GROW UP. Why shouldn’t they taste what every other non-CEO in the nation is going through? Whatever they want, it isn’t worth what they are squandering – the respect & confidence of NYC & the huge esteem in which the NYPD has been held worldwide since 9/11
So far, except for less city income (can it be withheld from their salaries?), it seems there’s been no serious result. (But don’t forget - Son of Sam was caught because of a parking ticket!)
If terrorists act now, the police slowdown will be seen as a much clearer invitation than was true of the mayor’s words & the murder of the two officers
If it keeps up, they should be suspended, without pay, for a week. Call in National Guard MP units from across the nation to take their place, the ones who would respond if NYPD ranks were decimated honorably by a storm or terrorists, which is what they’re close to becoming & certainly abetting. Afterwards, anyone who doesn’t return & actually work should be fired.
12
A fundamental fact often ignored is most cops don't care one whit for the city, they don't live there, their families don't live there, and all they want is a nice life for 20 years with a ridiculously high pension.
8
It must be wonderful to have a job where you get to decide what you will do and what you will not do.
Using the funerals of two dead policemen who were doing their job into a platform for airing their petty and unfounded grievances against the mayor is despicable. It showed a lack of respect for their dead comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are legitimate venus to air grievances, but not at funerals, especially ones for murdered policemen. I feel sorry for the families of the murdered policemen who had to see their time of grief used so callously where the attention was paid not to their loved ones, but a spectacle of disrespect.
New York Policeman, are you proud of yourself?
Using the funerals of two dead policemen who were doing their job into a platform for airing their petty and unfounded grievances against the mayor is despicable. It showed a lack of respect for their dead comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are legitimate venus to air grievances, but not at funerals, especially ones for murdered policemen. I feel sorry for the families of the murdered policemen who had to see their time of grief used so callously where the attention was paid not to their loved ones, but a spectacle of disrespect.
New York Policeman, are you proud of yourself?
12
The number of "recommend" hits for reader comments condemning the NYPD totally outnumber supportive comments.
I agree with the NYT. Start to replace the police like Reagan did with t he air traffic controllers.
I agree with the NYT. Start to replace the police like Reagan did with t he air traffic controllers.
7
Amen. Here's an idea: offer every officer a buyout deal. Open the force to young men and women who understand the complexity 8 million diverse people attempting to live in close quarters for which they pay kingly rents with serf wages.
8
It should be noted that the police are in contract negotiations. Somehow all this outrage is very convenient to bring about a work slowdown.
2
The police have now lost 90% of the public's respect.
10
As opposed to the mayor, who has lost 99%.
1
You treat any group of people with disrespect and you get disrespect in return. Chastisement by the Mayor's office, the NYT's anyone else isn't going to remedy the situation. Put the bitter words away, set the self righteous egos aside and get out there and fix the problem.
3
No one should wish an insubordinate police force on themselves. Unfortunately, the world is full of them.
This action by certain police, misguided from the start, is untenable and damaging to all parties. It is Commissioner Bratton's responsibility to immediately make clear to union, rank and file that he demands nothing less than professionalism from the force he leads, respect for those they serve, whether the mayor or the people of New York City, and back the demand with action for officers who refuse to comply.
The sensitivity session is over. Time to get back to work.
This action by certain police, misguided from the start, is untenable and damaging to all parties. It is Commissioner Bratton's responsibility to immediately make clear to union, rank and file that he demands nothing less than professionalism from the force he leads, respect for those they serve, whether the mayor or the people of New York City, and back the demand with action for officers who refuse to comply.
The sensitivity session is over. Time to get back to work.
8
"...a reckless, coordinated escalation of a war between the police unions and Mr. de Blasio..." And a dangerous, cowardly abandonment of the citizens of New York by the NYPD.
10
Good editorial. Maybe it's written by people who are older or can actually read and understand history. For NYPD apologists to focus on "union" action is to miss the glaring point--police are not entitled to walk off the job; they are not garbage collectors or airline cabin staff. Let the huffers and puffers extend their logic to war. Imagine a meeting in the mess in Afghanistan to vote on changing the patrol route tomorrow... Imagine mutiny on a nuclear sub... We're in a war on crime, and that war has been made worse by the frank racist attitudes of some in Blue. The others haven't the guts to stand up to that history.
There are many problems in the NYPD. A major one is the historical ethos of that department. White and Catholic, Irish and Italian. As an Irishman I'm ashamed every time Lynch opens his mouth. Time to call in the FBI and State Troopers.
There are many problems in the NYPD. A major one is the historical ethos of that department. White and Catholic, Irish and Italian. As an Irishman I'm ashamed every time Lynch opens his mouth. Time to call in the FBI and State Troopers.
16
The New York city Police Officers who turn their backs on the Mayor and who refuse to do their jobs are the problem and they need to be officially warned about their behavior, and if they don't heed the warning, they need to be fired. If the Police Commissioner can't get the Officers to do their jobs, then he should be replaced as well. I think Mayor de Blasio is doing an outstanding job. I hope he runs for re-election and wins with an overwhelming majority of votes.
9
"A video emerged this week of a New York cop, apparently with nothing better to do, horsing around on the hood of a squad car, falling off and hitting his head. "
And so what? Any city can produce a video of a public employee horsing around. The NYPD has a valid complaint which is that enforcing DeBlasio's policies expose them to DeBlasio's Al Sharpton extortion machine.
Police reform begins at the top, starting with the Mayor's office.
And so what? Any city can produce a video of a public employee horsing around. The NYPD has a valid complaint which is that enforcing DeBlasio's policies expose them to DeBlasio's Al Sharpton extortion machine.
Police reform begins at the top, starting with the Mayor's office.
4
So let me get this straight, the NYPD now get to decide what actions should be considered crimes. And by extension, which people might really be criminals? Does it also mean they get to decide what victims are worth protecting. I guess "all men are created equal" doesn't apply in NYC??? Does this mean that they think that NYC should secede from the Union?
6
The bitterest irony is that in their own minds the police have become the victim in this saga, which is absurd. Any public agency that cannot brook even mild criticism or, God forbid, self examination, is poisoned beyond repair. Or is it perhaps that they are now emboldened to openly show their contempt for a mayor with a biracial family? Whatever the motivation, their behavior is beyond the pale.
10
I think that the question that this recklessness on behalf of the rank and file police officers is: does NYC really need 35,000 officers?
5
Are some of these cops on overtime to beef up their pensions while they turn thier backs on the mayor?
There should be no overtime at all allowed until these police start doing their jobs. And if some cops are doing their jobs then maybe they can convince/coerce their buds to get back to work.
There should be no overtime at all allowed until these police start doing their jobs. And if some cops are doing their jobs then maybe they can convince/coerce their buds to get back to work.
4
Most people believe that the majority of police officers carry out their duties in a responsible manner. Most also realize the danger that a police officer faces. However, too many police officers refuse to acknowledge that there are bad apples among the force.
10
I don't understand this childish behavior by some police officers. They're acting like they got their little feelings hurt. The officers who were murdered, may they rest in peace, were targeted by a madman and their memory should be honored with all the city has to give. But the officers playing games with parking tickets and such are sulky little kids. As an outstanding cop once said to me of his fellow officers, "If you want love, be a fireman."
8
New York City has far far to many police officers. This deliberate action by the police department ably demonstrates that with a massively reduced police presence the city gets along just fine. And didn't we know that already? Time to reduce the police force to a more appropriate level.
6
I am just old enough to remember the time when middle class households might have a full time servant, usually a cook. As then householder and servant aged to together, it was not uncommon for the servant to get the idea that the house was being run chiefly for his/her benefit, not for that of the householder. That's what's happening here; it's an unfortunate aspect of human nature that has to be firmly dealt with.
2
Perhaps Bratton's faith in ¨broken windows¨ doesn't need a rethinking so much as a vigorous demonstration of its effectiveness for communities of all colors...including blue? He missed his greatest opportunity with Pantaleo, the officer who killed Eric Garner. The insolent display of disorder officers brought to the funerals of their comrades by turning their backs on the mayor was another chance lost. One hopes that he can make something of the fool on the hood of the car in the video cited at the end of the editorial, but I suspect that continued forbearance of deviancy will prevail. There are no broken windows to fix, they've all been boarded up. Welcome to the bad new days.
4
Thank you for this. I still fail to understand what Mayor de Blasio has done wrong. Police are supposedly demoralized by three actions:
1) Limits on "stop-and-frisk," a policy that had alienated a huge segment of the city's population, with little evident crime-reduction benefit. By making police show more restraint and judgment, it might actually help improve their public image;
2) Showed some understanding of people who demonstrated when police officers involved in the death of Eric Garner - an act that showed gross incompetence and lack of judgment if not criminality by the officers - were not even indicted;
3) Admitted he told his mixed-race teenage son how to behave if stopped by police; admittedly the optics are bad, but what father of a minority male teenager in New York has NOT had that discussion with his son?
PBA President Lynch trying to blame the Mayor for the murder of the two officers was appalling. What that and the turning of backs at the funerals seems to signal is, above all, a negotiating ploy.
Police are given a badge, a gun, and the power of arrest. They need to be the professionals here, lest they betray the huge trust given them.
1) Limits on "stop-and-frisk," a policy that had alienated a huge segment of the city's population, with little evident crime-reduction benefit. By making police show more restraint and judgment, it might actually help improve their public image;
2) Showed some understanding of people who demonstrated when police officers involved in the death of Eric Garner - an act that showed gross incompetence and lack of judgment if not criminality by the officers - were not even indicted;
3) Admitted he told his mixed-race teenage son how to behave if stopped by police; admittedly the optics are bad, but what father of a minority male teenager in New York has NOT had that discussion with his son?
PBA President Lynch trying to blame the Mayor for the murder of the two officers was appalling. What that and the turning of backs at the funerals seems to signal is, above all, a negotiating ploy.
Police are given a badge, a gun, and the power of arrest. They need to be the professionals here, lest they betray the huge trust given them.
7
It has been written that the police have a right to exercise their first amendment right to show their disgust for the Mayor by turning their back to him. I say "No, not in uniform." That is plain insubordination.
The police seem to forget that the Mayor made his positions on public safety quite clear during the election and he was elected! Their protests, in uniform, are an affront to all of us and to the democratic process.
The police seem to forget that the Mayor made his positions on public safety quite clear during the election and he was elected! Their protests, in uniform, are an affront to all of us and to the democratic process.
6
Yes, the madness must stop, but perhaps the madness was that police were issuing summons to people as if they were handing out supermarket flyers. Perhaps what this shows is that the city relies on the police issuing summons to people to increase revenue, which then leads to a deeper issue: using specific groups of people to keep a certain amount of revenue flowing into the city. I don't agree with the police turning their backs on the Mayor at a funeral, but I have no problem with them ceasing to hand out tickets at 9:01 for being on the wrong side of the street.
3
People have a right to demonstrate for civil rights in this country, and for such rights to be respected by the police. Any police officer who can't understand that is not fit to be a police officer in this country.
This temper tantrum behavior will get the police exactly the respect they deserve.
This temper tantrum behavior will get the police exactly the respect they deserve.
6
The Times' analysis is right, but its suggestions fall short of the mark. When the air traffic controllers refused to do their job, Reagan fired them. A lesson for the mayor.
There are plenty of other well qualified people who would love to be police officers. Reagan used the blatantly illegal work stoppage by the air traffic controllers union to clean house. So should the mayor.
On the other hand, maybe what the slowdown is showing us is that the police were, in fact, overdoing citizen ticketing and hassling. An important lesson that they didn't intend their illegal job actions to teach us.
There are plenty of other well qualified people who would love to be police officers. Reagan used the blatantly illegal work stoppage by the air traffic controllers union to clean house. So should the mayor.
On the other hand, maybe what the slowdown is showing us is that the police were, in fact, overdoing citizen ticketing and hassling. An important lesson that they didn't intend their illegal job actions to teach us.
4
I have been looking for the voices of police who are not in agreement with the union in this behavior. You can be a good worker and strongly pro-union and disagree with the acts of the leadership, those three things are not mutually exclusive. If those individuals don't speak up, this whole issue gets cut as police versus the politician. You know that the black and Latino and Asian cops give the same talk to their children about how to engage with the police on the street that di Blasio gave to his son; you know that their understanding of police behavior/ misbehavior is more complex and nuanced than what is being presented. It is a fair bet that the penalties for speaking out are high, but with the escalation that the police union is driving, it seems that the essential soul of the New York police (and, in many ways, of police departments across the nation) is at risk. Why hasn't the media, the Times included, asked other police, even anonymously, for their side of the story?
5
Offer any cop a buyout that cannot come on board a "new policing culture." Give them 2 weeks to decide and $50K severance.
If they stay, they shape up or we do the work necessary to fire them--an uphill battle, I understand. But worth it in the long run.
If they go, be sure their name is in a national policing database, that they chose to leave.
$50K sounds like a lot, but not compared to the many multi-million settlements that the City gives out yearly for "accidents," negligence, and wrongful incarceration, and wrongful deaths by its employees.
This "Culture" must change and de Blasio is the one to do it.
If they stay, they shape up or we do the work necessary to fire them--an uphill battle, I understand. But worth it in the long run.
If they go, be sure their name is in a national policing database, that they chose to leave.
$50K sounds like a lot, but not compared to the many multi-million settlements that the City gives out yearly for "accidents," negligence, and wrongful incarceration, and wrongful deaths by its employees.
This "Culture" must change and de Blasio is the one to do it.
2
Natalia so the turning of the backs was dishonorable. well I guess you feel the chant of "what do we want, dead cops" honorable. who allowed the damaging social order, defying civil authority, unraveling social fabric and reckless escalation of defiance . quien tiene la culpa, who allowed all this to escalate. it seems a certain segment of society is allowed to do as they please. all this targeting of whites reminds me of something a good man said " don't judge a man by the color of his skin, rather instead by the content of his heart. I guess those are empty words from long ago,
4
The police slowdown is flat-out ridiculous and I'm sure illegal. The fact that the city continues on without them is telling enough. The problem with over-policing and bullying by cops had already gotten out of hand, but the fact that their bluff is being called during this whiny tantrum is at least somewhat satisfying.
PLEASE somebody in an official position have the guts to really spell it out for the cops that their misplacing of blame and resulting work stoppage either needs to stop immediately, or they should be systematically replaced. Maybe they take too much credit for the drop in crime these past decades. If the police continue with their getting paid for sitting on their hands and crime doesn't go up then mass layoffs should begin.
*Can the departments with the most drastic drop-off in ticketing be sanctioned in some way? Deny all overtime, stop pensions in their tracks, and get these officers to act like the rest of us adults who expect to do our jobs or get canned.
PLEASE somebody in an official position have the guts to really spell it out for the cops that their misplacing of blame and resulting work stoppage either needs to stop immediately, or they should be systematically replaced. Maybe they take too much credit for the drop in crime these past decades. If the police continue with their getting paid for sitting on their hands and crime doesn't go up then mass layoffs should begin.
*Can the departments with the most drastic drop-off in ticketing be sanctioned in some way? Deny all overtime, stop pensions in their tracks, and get these officers to act like the rest of us adults who expect to do our jobs or get canned.
3
One thing that may help is that media needs to do a better job highlighting other civil rights leaders besides Sharpton. They have to be out there. The man is clearly a liability due to questionable parts of his past record. Time to pass the torch to someone else, so the mayor can work without so much excess political baggage.
Unfortunately, Sharpton makes terrific television, so he always seems to get the lion's share of the spotlight as far as civil rights leaders are concerned.
Unfortunately, Sharpton makes terrific television, so he always seems to get the lion's share of the spotlight as far as civil rights leaders are concerned.
4
To me, it is the police offering their own further confirmation on top of recent events in Ferguson (the swat team response to what began as peaceful demostrations) and the Garner killing, that there is an attitude problem related to overzealous policing, that many of the wrong people are in the ranks. The police have a difficult job, no question about it, and when they do that job well, including defusing situations, they deserve a lot of credit; when some do that job badly, however, such as inflaming or creating situations or being unnecessarily confrontational or aggressive, police should be more zealous about rooting out those problem people than they are towards the public, rather than closing ranks or considering themselves above criticism. If police in the ranks want to blame someone for the murdered officers, they should look to others in the ranks rather than to de Blasio.
6
The police union is in heated contract negotiations with the city I wonder if Lynch, the union head, has co-opted the assassinations of 2 officers and the extreme elements of the police brutality protests to use these tactics as leverage in their negotiations. The police have been working under an expired contract for a few years now. This is starting to feel like a strategically orchestrated slight of hand trick. If this keeps up, I think it could backfire on the union because the average New Yorker probably thinks the Garner video showed police misconduct, but don't like the tenor and inconvenience of some of the protest, and were horrified at the assassinations of 2 officers. This New Yorker may be indifferent to the back turning on the mayor but if they think the police turned their back on them, John & Jane Q. Taxpayer they are going to have a mass of people who will be unsympathetic.
2
Mayor de Blasio's election campaign focused on undoing the aggressive policing programs that have indisputably resulted in a dramatic reduction of NYC crime during the past two decades. Times Square has become an attraction for tourists and families rather than a haven for pick pockets, sex shops and prostitutes openly strutting their services on the sidewalks. Twenty plus years ago, I dreaded emerging from the Lincoln Tunnel to have aggressive window washers rub dirty rags on my windshield to extort payment or I would risk having a wiper arm broken. New York City's minority and ethnic populations have benefited most from the resultant crime reduction. If New York's police are being portrayed by the city's Mayor as "enemies" of the citizens for doing their jobs, or at worse vilified for it, why should they put themselves at risk for an ungrateful Mayor who is now reaping what he has sown?
6
To NYC Police:
You can be replaced.
Insubordination is a dischargeable offense.
You can be replaced.
Insubordination is a dischargeable offense.
6
The "Men in Blue" are, for some reason, proceeding with the destruction of the NYPD. Petty, disheartening and shameful in my opinion.
2
MAYOR BLASIO IS ACTING LIKE A TRAITOR: A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear.” By: Marcus Tullius Cicero
2
Oh please. You're spewing something that is oratory and a reflective abstraction. Anybody could use these words and describe anyone else they don't like as a traitor, from politicians to athletes to neighbors. If he's a traitor, give specific examples of what he has done that would be considered treasonous under the law (and not simply what YOU would like to consider treasonous). There are useful things to be heard from both sides but a lame effort to foment anger is absolutely useless.
1
The mayor is the democratically elected representative of the people. When officers turn their backs on the mayor, they turn their backs on the people.
Officers who are unable to follow direct orders demonstrate they are a danger to society and unworthy of the responsibilities that come when wearing a badge.
Officers who are unable to follow direct orders demonstrate they are a danger to society and unworthy of the responsibilities that come when wearing a badge.
5
I believe we are still at war. Under the Sedition Act of 1917 an action could be authorized to give us our day in court against those hired on the force who defy our elected officials in their loyalty of duty to them, and ultimately, us. Just because the rule of the streets lets them do it there doesn't mean the citizens of the U.S. should put up with political grandstanding while we are at war.
1
Crime rates go down when police stop doing their jobs. I wonder who the criminals actually are then..maybe a civil society doesn't need a tax payer funded army to systematically baize and brutalize its citizens after all...put the money we pay the police toward homes for homeless families, food for hungry people and and funds for our public schools.
3
Everyone was complaining about the "broken windows" policy of going after low level offenders. The Police are just giving their critics what they asked for.
Let's see how it works out.
Let's see how it works out.
6
I believe Mayor de Blasio went too far in his support for protestors, and police officers have a right to show their displeasure by turning their backs when he speaks, but they don't have a right to collect a paycheck if they are not doing their jobs. Very few of us have the luxury of liking our bosses, but we do our jobs anyway.
So-called minor offenses, like traffic violations and quality-of-life crimes, left unchecked, will eventually embolden petty criminals, lead-footed motorists, and cyclists seeking a personal best, and it won't be the Mayor who pays the price, it will be average New Yorkers - even police officers' own friends and families.
The police suggest that Mayor de Blasio has the blood of officers Liu and Ramos on his hands, but if their own hands should become bloodied as a result of this dangerous, irresponsible form of protest, the already widening gap between cops and civilians will become an unbridgeable chasm.
Most New Yorkers support the police, even if we don't agree with all of the laws they enforce, and that's all that matters. After all, Mayor de Blasio is already looking like a one-termer. Who is going to vote twice for a guy who abandoned the police, killed a groundhog, and rescued Citi Bike?
So-called minor offenses, like traffic violations and quality-of-life crimes, left unchecked, will eventually embolden petty criminals, lead-footed motorists, and cyclists seeking a personal best, and it won't be the Mayor who pays the price, it will be average New Yorkers - even police officers' own friends and families.
The police suggest that Mayor de Blasio has the blood of officers Liu and Ramos on his hands, but if their own hands should become bloodied as a result of this dangerous, irresponsible form of protest, the already widening gap between cops and civilians will become an unbridgeable chasm.
Most New Yorkers support the police, even if we don't agree with all of the laws they enforce, and that's all that matters. After all, Mayor de Blasio is already looking like a one-termer. Who is going to vote twice for a guy who abandoned the police, killed a groundhog, and rescued Citi Bike?
4
You correctly state that "the city got the mayor it wanted — and then, because of Mr. de Blasio, it got Mr. Bratton". Then in the same breath you state that broken windows needs rethinking. Well you can't have it both ways. The city wanted de Blasio, the city got Bratton. the city has the "broken windows" policy as well. Live with it.
3
We learn from this article that "crime is down" and in the next sentence we learn that the policemen have decreased the amount of tickets written. If crime is down, one would expect the number of tickets to be down.
I can understand and agree with the position of the police. Why would ANYONE want to be a policeman? When they attempt to do their job, they are criticized and ostracized for attempting to do their already dangerous jobs. If we keep treating police as the criminals, we will soon have no police. So I would advise the mayor to trod easily. We need the police. We way not need the current mayor.
And I do not think the police were disrespectful of their dead comrades. They only turned their backs at one specific part in the service. Clearly they were dissatisfied with their mayor.
I can understand and agree with the position of the police. Why would ANYONE want to be a policeman? When they attempt to do their job, they are criticized and ostracized for attempting to do their already dangerous jobs. If we keep treating police as the criminals, we will soon have no police. So I would advise the mayor to trod easily. We need the police. We way not need the current mayor.
And I do not think the police were disrespectful of their dead comrades. They only turned their backs at one specific part in the service. Clearly they were dissatisfied with their mayor.
3
The members of the police who have participated in this shameful power play need to be severely reprimanded. The police provide a service to the community. This is not a police state. The "slowdown" clearly exemplifies the need for change in the training and comportment of our police department, and I believe, the departments throughout the country.
9
It's amazing how quickly principles fall by the wayside when elites are threatened. Here in these comments, many are advocating that the "back-turners" be fired (for exercising free speech?!) and, further, that their union protections be removed. How dare these blue collar workers not simply do as they are told! Wow. Best of luck finding their replacements.
8
They have stopped being civil servants, but continue to be paid by now unprotected tax payers.
Not enforcing the laws and not protecting citizens is not acceptable protest by police. Ever.
Not enforcing the laws and not protecting citizens is not acceptable protest by police. Ever.
3
They can exercise their free speech all they want to - whey they ARE NOT in uniform.
Otherwise, they have a sworn duty to uphold. Period.
Otherwise, they have a sworn duty to uphold. Period.
3
On what, exactly, does the New York Times Editorial Board base its statement that "Mr. Bratton's faith in 'broken windows' needs rethinking? As far as I can tell it has been a marvelous and incredibly effective approach.
6
In 1971 the Knapp Commission cautioned police managers about rewarding large numbers of easy arrests. Since reckless rhetoric may have motivated an assassin to randomly target two New York City police officers, perhaps it is time to place greater emphasis on reported crime and response to citizens' calls for service than on arrest this year over last . Sir Robert Peel felt the absence of crime was the proper measure of policing. The amount of revenue lost by lack of summonses is a poor excuse for criticizing the police.
8
Charges should have been brought in the Eric Garner case. I totally understand the anger spawned by the lack of a charge. However, in the aftermath of Mr. Gardner's death, many good police officers who put their lives on the line every day have been debased. The mayor has been complicit in this debasement.
The work slow down is wrong. However, it is an yet another example of what happens when supposed leaders on both sides choose to pander to the worst elements in their bases. The result is much akin to the stasis in Washington.
The work slow down is wrong. However, it is an yet another example of what happens when supposed leaders on both sides choose to pander to the worst elements in their bases. The result is much akin to the stasis in Washington.
2
The policies of New York that were directly related to Mr. Garner's "loosey" cigarette sales activities to not only be illegal but caused the police to be asked to enforce such need to be highlighted. It is fundamentally unfair to analyze the actions of the police in arresting Mr. Garner outside of the context of a city and state that creates ridiculous taxes and requests severe enforcement policies; in this case, deadly policies. It is the politicians who created this regulatory/tax scheme that, it seems to me, have the blood on their hands, not the proven effective 'broken windows' policing.
3
I am quite amazed at the soft media treatment being given these rebel cops. Insubordination, insolence, ingratitude, ignorance, are just a few of the words that come to mind to describe this behavior. It is no surprise that police violence against unarmed citizens is rampant, given the obvious lack of professionalism and adult supervision prevalent.
4
It is abhorrent that in this democracy we are witnessing a wanton militarization of the police, and an inability and unwillingness on the part the courts to reign in their increasingly outrageous behavior with regards to "protecting and serving" the general public. I have no sympathy for them. Yes, they have difficult jobs but they are well-compensated public servants with hefty pension packages. They don't want to work? Fire them. I'm sure lowering the number of police wouldn't really result in a huge increase in crime.
3
Gayle - Good thinking. I'm sure the streets would be safer and the number of police incidents reduced dramatically by replacing veteran officers with under qualified, inexperienced rookies. Seems like a great plan...with the bonus being that all of the fired officers could then feed at the plate of the great entitlement state, becoming full fledged members of Obama's economic policies and the jobless recovery. They soon would be transformed into Democrat voters, enjoying collecting public assistance rather than working for a living.
Childish. Selfish. Irresponsible. I'm still clueless as to the cause and effect here. What de Blasio say or do that caused these police officers to essentially go on strike (with continued pay)? Answer: he's said nothing that could be remotely construed as fueling (understandable) black anger. He was elected on a platform to discontinue illegal stop and frisk. Is de Blasio then a proxy for police anger at the public that employs it and for which it serves? Can't say. I'm often mystified by my child's irrational behavior.
2
Remember Ronald Reagan and the Air Traffic Controller's Union catastrophe? I was not a big Reagan fan, but his refusal to bow to otherwise reasonable union demands because they went on strike and endangered the safety of countless airline passengers had a significant impact on this type of union behavior.
If the cops aren't going to work, they need to be held accountable. When police unions believe they can set or effect policy by job actions and work stoppage, we are headed in the wrong direction.
If the cops aren't going to work, they need to be held accountable. When police unions believe they can set or effect policy by job actions and work stoppage, we are headed in the wrong direction.
3
Talk about a dysfunctional family. The Mayor and Commissioner Bratton cannot have it both ways. One the one hand, de Blasio clearly does not want proactive policing in minority areas and has started to dumb down arrests for marijuana possession, etc. Yet, he claims to uphold the quality of life enforcement. This story also cites the fact the Mayor has been given the mandate by virtue of his election by a majority. It fails to mention that it was the lowest turnout of voters in 51 years. He was, indeed, the accidental Mayor. Christine Quinn would be serving her second term now if she did not enable Mr.Bloomberg’s third term. Altogether, the minority communities across this city will suffer as a result of these confused and contradictory policies.
3
I'm not saying the police actions are justified but he mayor made a grievous mistake and the police made a point by not ticketing otherwise innocent citizens which cuts down on the money wrested from them and deposited in the city coffers. The real problem for NYC isn't any increase in real crime but it is just about the decrease money.
You can't butter both sides of a slice of bread by condemning the police the police for doing their assigned duty and then condemning them for not doing their assigned duties. Political correctness is not the assigned duty of the police. I however do not think that the mayor demanding that the police squander their time and effort apprehending sellers of cigarettes instead of real criminals is open to question. I guess it is dangerous to stand between a politician and his tax money. There is also no doubt that the mayors actions contributed to the deaths of two innocent men
You can't butter both sides of a slice of bread by condemning the police the police for doing their assigned duty and then condemning them for not doing their assigned duties. Political correctness is not the assigned duty of the police. I however do not think that the mayor demanding that the police squander their time and effort apprehending sellers of cigarettes instead of real criminals is open to question. I guess it is dangerous to stand between a politician and his tax money. There is also no doubt that the mayors actions contributed to the deaths of two innocent men
2
Apparently, for liberals, DeBlasio, is not really mayor in the same way that Obama is not really President. Someone else is. They, good Progressives, are responsible for nothing. Their words and conduct do not count and we should never mention them. It is bad manners to mention them or attempt to hold them accountable.
When you become a police officer do you surrender your civil rights and our American traditions of dissent and protest? It is deliciously ironic that liberals decry these protests and the purported actions of the unions. Aren't liberals pro Union? After all it is the members of those unions who are being attacked, murdered and defamed on a daily basis. This editorial is nothing more then a cry for all good left wingers to rally around one of their own to protect the dear lad from the consequences of mad liberal ideology and his own foolishness.
When you become a police officer do you surrender your civil rights and our American traditions of dissent and protest? It is deliciously ironic that liberals decry these protests and the purported actions of the unions. Aren't liberals pro Union? After all it is the members of those unions who are being attacked, murdered and defamed on a daily basis. This editorial is nothing more then a cry for all good left wingers to rally around one of their own to protect the dear lad from the consequences of mad liberal ideology and his own foolishness.
5
I guess the Editorial Board finds that the police should not use their discretion in determining which laws to enforce because "they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws."
I guess that the Board feels the same way about President Obama and immigration, pot, etc. on upholding Federal law?
Given the complete lack of respect the Mayor shows to the police (having to teach his biracial son about the "danger" of the police); the disrespect seems to go both ways.
While I do not feel the police should stop enforcing the law, it would be helpful if the Mayor tried to support the ones who put their lives in danger (or give those lives) in doing their duty.
Respect goes both ways. You can support your employees while having to deal with disciplinary actions. You just have to do it with respect. Mr. de Blasio should learn some basic management skills and forget the political grandstanding.
The Board should also stop grandstanding.
I guess that the Board feels the same way about President Obama and immigration, pot, etc. on upholding Federal law?
Given the complete lack of respect the Mayor shows to the police (having to teach his biracial son about the "danger" of the police); the disrespect seems to go both ways.
While I do not feel the police should stop enforcing the law, it would be helpful if the Mayor tried to support the ones who put their lives in danger (or give those lives) in doing their duty.
Respect goes both ways. You can support your employees while having to deal with disciplinary actions. You just have to do it with respect. Mr. de Blasio should learn some basic management skills and forget the political grandstanding.
The Board should also stop grandstanding.
7
In recent years, protests against police lawlessness in the United States have become everyday phenomenon, such as Ferguson, protests in California against the police killing of a 3 Hispanics.
At the same time protests are held without any provocation.
Therefore hypocritical game with murder of two police officers on December 20 looks awful - it's too obvious attempt to discredit another protests and to divert us away from the problems of police.
At the same time protests are held without any provocation.
Therefore hypocritical game with murder of two police officers on December 20 looks awful - it's too obvious attempt to discredit another protests and to divert us away from the problems of police.
4
I agree with the Editorial Board completely. It's not that I am a fan of the mayor; I am not. But "dereliction of duty as a negotiating tactic or to make a political statement" is wrong and police turning their backs on the mayor at the officers' funerals is disrespectful to the families.
If the mayor decides to ask the courts or the Justice Department or any appropriate agency for assistance I would support him. It's "broken windows" from a different point of view: You let them get away with small things like not writing summonses and who knows where that will lead.
The police are not doing their image any good either. If they are deliberately not enforcing the law it only lends support to those who say they have violated the law in the past, i.e. that they have illegally abused their authority and have unlawfully used excessive force.
If the mayor decides to ask the courts or the Justice Department or any appropriate agency for assistance I would support him. It's "broken windows" from a different point of view: You let them get away with small things like not writing summonses and who knows where that will lead.
The police are not doing their image any good either. If they are deliberately not enforcing the law it only lends support to those who say they have violated the law in the past, i.e. that they have illegally abused their authority and have unlawfully used excessive force.
4
History teaches us that the balance between public order and personal freedom is a fine one. It require keen awareness and dedication to strike a reasonable balance between the two, often conflicting, goals. In NY the scales have shifted to the law and order side of the equation for far to long, not surprisingly the public is rightfully concerned about police overreach. Exacerbating the problem is the perception, not entirely baseless, that people of means were above "stop and frisk" and other broken window policing practices.
I understand the police have a difficult and dangerous job. The job is harder when the need of society must be balanced with individual rights. That being said there is no reasonable argument to justify a police force that demands authority without accountability because respecting the rights of the individual is "too hard"
The police, like the military, serve at the discretion of the chef executive. Conservative godhead Reagan dealt with insurrection among public safety employees, in this case the air traffic controllers by firing them .
Its time to apply the same tough love to a a self entitled, self aggrandizing organization that puts its own agenda ahead of the public and society. Its well past time to make the police understand they serve the public, not the other way around.
I understand the police have a difficult and dangerous job. The job is harder when the need of society must be balanced with individual rights. That being said there is no reasonable argument to justify a police force that demands authority without accountability because respecting the rights of the individual is "too hard"
The police, like the military, serve at the discretion of the chef executive. Conservative godhead Reagan dealt with insurrection among public safety employees, in this case the air traffic controllers by firing them .
Its time to apply the same tough love to a a self entitled, self aggrandizing organization that puts its own agenda ahead of the public and society. Its well past time to make the police understand they serve the public, not the other way around.
4
And how would you know that in NYC, "the scales have shifted to the law and order side of the equation for far to long." Did you travel there during the Koch/Dinkens years? Well, i did, and it was a disgusting, dirty city infested by drug dealers, homeless people wandering the streets, street vendors and hustlers badgering you as you walked down the street, and muggings galore. This is what is inevitable under a quasi socialist de Blasio. Is it what you want?
1
There is nothing that will get the far-left wing establishment up in arms quicker than seeing it's ability to collect fees, fines, and taxes used to feed the entitlement state jeopardized - preferably at the (implied) point of a gun. In this case, this editorial is rich with hypocrisy - to wit, "remind the police that they are public employees, under oath, to uphold the city and state laws." Seems to me we've had plenty of left-wing editorials imploring the President to use "discretion" with respect to illegal immigration, yet when the Police choose to do the same, we have entirely different standards. It's fitting that we have a public employee union taking part in a quasi-work stoppage - one of these same public employee unions that so exorcised the left that they needed to attempt to remove Governor Walker from Wisconsin. The chickens have come home to roost. There are no winners in this debate, with the exception of those New Yorkers who are caught in the trap of fines and fees, who will get some time off from pouring their hard-earned money down the statist rat-hole.
6
It is unfortunate that Pat Lynch and a handful of police officers are continuing to damage the great work and reputation of thousands of police officers in NYC. If some of these police officers do not like the mayor, who was overwhelmingly elected by the citizens of NYC (the same people whose taxes pay police officers' salaries, pension and health care) why don't they leave? No one is forcing them to stay in their jobs. Perhaps DeBlasio should borrow a page from Regan's playbook on how to deal with unions. Sometimes, the only way to change the culture of an organization is to clean house and begin again. Lynch's actions and vitriol, and the subsequent actions of some police officers, certainly point to that need.
6
If the police, each and every individual one of them, were to see themselves, this job-inaction is beyond possibility. A large part of the problem is tribalism to the ^nth. They are locked into an us against the world (city) mentality - and the world (city) is beginning to realize that this is the case. They have taken for themselves the law itself; the citizen falling into their realm finds himself subjected to their wishes, standards and beliefs. And there is no ready and available recourse.
That said, we could diminish the authority and abuses of the police if we'd do a better job, as a society, of behaving ourselves.
That said, we could diminish the authority and abuses of the police if we'd do a better job, as a society, of behaving ourselves.
2
The Times Editorial Board strikes again. In its all out hatred of any opposition to de Blasio's arrogant, reckless pursuit of a cockeyed version of "progressivism" it is willing to trash the reputation of any opponents. The cops have been given mixed multiple mixed messages by various segments of the public, the commissioner and the mayor. They are being shot on the streets. Taking a defensive approach to their assignments is an inevitable result of the chaos the city administration has helped exacerbate. A modicum of common sense might improve the editorial pages of the the Times.
5
it is disgraceful behavior by the police force. I'm hard pressed to understand why fully supporting the good men and women who serve on the police force is incompatible with demanding that those who abuse their power as police officers be held accountable. Those who have led this disgraceful behavior should be fired, and those that participated should be disciplined. The Mayor was elected by the people of New York, and civilian rule of both the military and the police forces in our country is absolutely essential to our democracy.
4
Overtime, hiring, promotions can call be frozen as paper trails on insubordination are begun. But rapproachment, respect for their concerns and a realistic appraisal of public sentiment about police handling of several matters that resulted in deaths, plus needed policing reforms to avoid these civilian deaths while enhancing police safety, and demographic representation in the ranks, are all needed now.
1
A childish exaggeration of the most childish police force in America. Welcome to what we have earned.
4
Police conduct has been disgraceful. The problem is that the police seem to think they are a separate community with superior rights to the community they have sworn to protect. In fact, they are civil servants who are there to carry out policy, not to make policy. Handing out fewer parking tickets and arresting fewer turnstile jumpers is not reducing the police activity that has caused the problem (policy makers have already reduced that), it is an attack on public order. The mayor was elected with the overwhelming support of New Yorkers. Gross disrespect by a quasi-military branch of the civil service is an attack on all New Yorkers and on democracy itself.
5
The police are a quasi military group. When sargents,and above cannot or will not make then do there jobs, they should lose those jobs.On TV they look like children having a temper tantrum.The union head for patrolmen is an example of why so many people are against unions. (A former police officer)
3
The NYPD is having a tantrum, holding it's breath till it turns blue. That's what spoiled children do.
4
If Bratton cannot find a way to put Lynch in his place by stopping him from his harmful rhetoric, then Bratton has to be replaced.
4
If crime is not truly rising, and the NY times is correct in saying that this is a "conspiracy", then it seems that it is an act of civil disobedience which is not causing the public any harm. If other groups can do the same, let's encourage them as well; let their voices be heard in a civil manner which raises awareness of their issues.
I have to disagree with the NY Times board on this one point, and I usually do agree with their board.
As far as DeBlasio, rightfully or wrongfully, he is seen as part of the fray; he never seized the opportunity to be seen as a leader who is above the infighting, he's looks like another politico in the muck. He may be able to fix this one problem, given enough time; but I don't think that perception will ever change.
I have to disagree with the NY Times board on this one point, and I usually do agree with their board.
As far as DeBlasio, rightfully or wrongfully, he is seen as part of the fray; he never seized the opportunity to be seen as a leader who is above the infighting, he's looks like another politico in the muck. He may be able to fix this one problem, given enough time; but I don't think that perception will ever change.
1
The Mayor, and now the NY Times is at the root cause of this problem. His handling of this situation was a total debacle and he will pay the price and unfortunately we all will as the city's crime rate will spike higher. Most people want good schools, safe streets and a good job. Most cops are good cops. Unfortunately the mayors almost weekly huddling with race batters and anti police activists is a slap in the face to all New Yorkers who want a city that is a safe, pleasant place to live.
Boy, do I wish Bloomberg would ride back into town. And soon!
Boy, do I wish Bloomberg would ride back into town. And soon!
2
We learn from this article that "crime is down" and in the next sentence we learn that the policemen have decreased the amount of tickets written. If crime is down, one would expect the number of tickets to be down.
I can understand and agree with the position of the police. Why would ANYONE want to be a policeman? When they attempt to do their job, they are criticized and ostracized for attempting to do their already dangerous jobs. If we keep treating police as the criminals, we will soon have no police. So I would advise the mayor to trod easily. We need the police. We way not need the current mayor.
And I do not think the police were disrespectful of their dead comrades. They only turned their backs at one specific part in the service. Clearly they were dissatisfied with their mayor.
I can understand and agree with the position of the police. Why would ANYONE want to be a policeman? When they attempt to do their job, they are criticized and ostracized for attempting to do their already dangerous jobs. If we keep treating police as the criminals, we will soon have no police. So I would advise the mayor to trod easily. We need the police. We way not need the current mayor.
And I do not think the police were disrespectful of their dead comrades. They only turned their backs at one specific part in the service. Clearly they were dissatisfied with their mayor.
1
Everyone had better rethink the knee jerk outcry to "fire the cops" involved in exercising their First Amendment right to free speech in a peaceful way. The Police are also part of the civil service which makes firing cops enmasse almost impossible. It's also no surprise that arrests and issuing a summons for minor violations going are way down. Does anyone have any idea how much paperwork a cop has to do to process a summons for even a small legal infraction? Since it was what should have been a routine bust for a minor offense gone hopelessly awry that triggered this crisis the cops figure what's the point in pursuing the small stuff?
2
Your editorial seems more intent in assigning blame concerning the current impasse between Mayor De Blasio and members of the NYPD rather than finding a solution. Firing current commanders will do nothing in diffusing tensions and in all likelihood only increase the anger amongst the rank and file.
This is not a question of right and wrong, but rather who is going to take the first step in repairing relations. The police union has been demanding an apology from the Mayor's office over his past comments and I would suggest the Mayor do exactly that. The Mayor needs to start acting like the elected leader of the city rather than some ideologue who needs to prove that he is right regardless of the consequences. Once the apology is offered, I am sure police union officials will graciously accept it and the parties will begin to honestly repair what is now broken.
Again, this is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong. Because without the Mayor first making some gesture of apology to those who feel they have been wronged, it will be the citizens and visitors of NYC who will ultimately suffer.
This is not a question of right and wrong, but rather who is going to take the first step in repairing relations. The police union has been demanding an apology from the Mayor's office over his past comments and I would suggest the Mayor do exactly that. The Mayor needs to start acting like the elected leader of the city rather than some ideologue who needs to prove that he is right regardless of the consequences. Once the apology is offered, I am sure police union officials will graciously accept it and the parties will begin to honestly repair what is now broken.
Again, this is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong. Because without the Mayor first making some gesture of apology to those who feel they have been wronged, it will be the citizens and visitors of NYC who will ultimately suffer.
4
The Mayor should make clear to the public and the police union that this negotiating tactic is counterproductive and if enforcement does not increase he should make sure heads roll both at the patrolman level and the Sgt. level.
4
This slowdown has to do with minor infractions, not blatant crimes. These are exactly the kind of misdeeds the cops were criticized for in the first place with the 'broken windows' program.
Where are the critical thinking skills of the NYTimes readers? Think about things before jumping in with the herd.
Where are the critical thinking skills of the NYTimes readers? Think about things before jumping in with the herd.
4
Times Editorial Board advice for DeBlasio to appeal to the public and the Justice Department betrays their unfamiliarity and incompetence with principles of leadership--and this is a leadership problem, not a labor problem or a cop problem. Autocratic bullying and whining to third parties will not fix his relationship with police. He needs to go around the union boobs, appeal straight to the rank and file officer, and apologize for his politically insensitive comments. He needs to walk a beat with rank and file officers for an entire day. This is absolute leader incompetence on so many levels.
3
"Broken windows needs rethinking"?
Unless the laws are changed, this would require advocate non-enforcement of the laws which is the very problem that the NYTEditors complains of.
Combine that thinking with the ant-police rhetoric of DiBlasio and the result is that the police are
"damned if they do, and damned if they don't".
Unless the laws are changed, this would require advocate non-enforcement of the laws which is the very problem that the NYTEditors complains of.
Combine that thinking with the ant-police rhetoric of DiBlasio and the result is that the police are
"damned if they do, and damned if they don't".
5
The police are civil service union employees. If the mayor spends several million dollars in a few years he might get rid of a handful of them. Otherwise forget about getting rid of them. The people who were busy protesting the police are getting the police force they asked for. You "reap what you sow".
The police hold the city hostage and there is little the mayor can do about it.
If the police were smart they would work for real meaningful gun control. In a society with 200 million guns and no real controls it is o surprise that the police are targeted. Many mentally unstable people can get their hands on guns, and more guns is not the answer. Don't forget the police have guns but the bad guys figured out that the way around that is to get the drop on the cops. Ambush them. The history of Dodge City in the old West could have taught you that. But the police are silent. Not a word about gun control. Just disrespect for the mayor and the law. The shootings will continue.
If the police were smart they would work for real meaningful gun control. In a society with 200 million guns and no real controls it is o surprise that the police are targeted. Many mentally unstable people can get their hands on guns, and more guns is not the answer. Don't forget the police have guns but the bad guys figured out that the way around that is to get the drop on the cops. Ambush them. The history of Dodge City in the old West could have taught you that. But the police are silent. Not a word about gun control. Just disrespect for the mayor and the law. The shootings will continue.
1
In the military the NY Police behavior would be insubordination, accountability would be swift and absolute. And so it should be in NY City.
6
The NYPD looks like a bunch of rebellious high schoolers skipping class. Can't these cops see that they are working -or not working, actually - very hard to lose the respect and support of the Democrats of New York who (unlike their tax -avoiding Republican friends) actually believe that their police deserve the best in training, benefits, and pay?
.
.
7
This is what happens when a foolish mayor makes foolish statements that clearly show his contempt for police officers and falsely implies a racial bias within the legions of men and women who are simply doing the job they were sworn to do. Which is to enforce the law.
9
Not being a New Yorker, I have no personal knowledge of the ins and outs of the situation. Mayors frequently make foolish statements, but they keep doing their jobs. As should the NYPD. They also have enough foolish statements to spread around..
2
Mayor DiBlasi is the elected Mayor of New York and his job is to reflect the all New Yorkers.
The Police are a para-military organization. In uniform, Police do not have the right to protest nor disrespect their boss. Police do not have the ability to ignore orders. Commissioner Bratton's letter should not stated he did not plan on disciplinary action. Any officers that turned their backs should be be reviewed and appropriate action taken if the officers record dictates. Any officer not doing their job, should be disciplined; up to and including being fired.
Being a police officer is a dangerous job. A job where you could be injured or unfortunately - killed doing your job. A mentally ill person with a gun murdering police officers do not give license to excuse bad police behavior. The police are held to a higher standard, that is part of the job. Don't like it? Quit and get a new job. Can't work for the Mayor because you feel "betrayed" for the Mayor telling his son the same thing everyone knows? Quit.
Commanders who cannot manage police officers that have basically gone rogue, quit or be fired.
Then we can get back to the conversation of bridging the divide between communities and the police, who have the job to protect them.
The Police are a para-military organization. In uniform, Police do not have the right to protest nor disrespect their boss. Police do not have the ability to ignore orders. Commissioner Bratton's letter should not stated he did not plan on disciplinary action. Any officers that turned their backs should be be reviewed and appropriate action taken if the officers record dictates. Any officer not doing their job, should be disciplined; up to and including being fired.
Being a police officer is a dangerous job. A job where you could be injured or unfortunately - killed doing your job. A mentally ill person with a gun murdering police officers do not give license to excuse bad police behavior. The police are held to a higher standard, that is part of the job. Don't like it? Quit and get a new job. Can't work for the Mayor because you feel "betrayed" for the Mayor telling his son the same thing everyone knows? Quit.
Commanders who cannot manage police officers that have basically gone rogue, quit or be fired.
Then we can get back to the conversation of bridging the divide between communities and the police, who have the job to protect them.
6
Fire all of them!
4
Let's see... The mayor cynically and hypocritically uses the funerals of two individual policemen as a particularly unattractive way to try to make himself look good. He doesn't support these policemen or show then respect while they're alive, he espouses a point of view that encourages guys like the one who shot Ramos and Liu, and then somehow he's the one who feels disrespected when not everyone kisses his ring after he hijacks their funerals for his own political purposes?
Meanwhile, the mayor who ran against "stop and frisk" is suddenly the patron
saint of "broken windows" ?
There are real issues at the heart of how NYC police officers perceive and relate to citizens of different backgrounds and different appearances. But where is it written that the mayor gets a free pass when he promiscuously casts blame without once respectfully trying to recognize the challenge the police face, and without trying to resolve those issues in a way that, as much as possible, maintains peace on the streets? He keeps choosing grandstanding over real governing.
Meanwhile, you -- the Tines Board -- remain on an amazingly myopic High Horse, pontificating about how other people do a job that, very likely, not
one of you has ever had to think about doing as your life's work. Criticism without offering a practical alternative is the cheapest commodity available in the market of ideas -- and, truly, not always fit to print, in my opinion.
Meanwhile, the mayor who ran against "stop and frisk" is suddenly the patron
saint of "broken windows" ?
There are real issues at the heart of how NYC police officers perceive and relate to citizens of different backgrounds and different appearances. But where is it written that the mayor gets a free pass when he promiscuously casts blame without once respectfully trying to recognize the challenge the police face, and without trying to resolve those issues in a way that, as much as possible, maintains peace on the streets? He keeps choosing grandstanding over real governing.
Meanwhile, you -- the Tines Board -- remain on an amazingly myopic High Horse, pontificating about how other people do a job that, very likely, not
one of you has ever had to think about doing as your life's work. Criticism without offering a practical alternative is the cheapest commodity available in the market of ideas -- and, truly, not always fit to print, in my opinion.
9
Extremely well said
It is one thing to turn one's back on the mayor. It is another to turn your back on your city. Many of us appreciate the job the NYPD has done in making New York City livable, but also realize that the system that brought us quotas and stop and frisk needs to be reformed. But just because you disagree with the mayor and public does not give you the right to stop doing your job.
10
Citizens should try turning their backs on the cops when confronted or approached. Can you imagine what would happen? The cops have a big issue about respecting authority. Yet they have no respect for authority. Perhaps this has always been evident in their attitude and behaviors. And in the case of Eric Garner, the authority in this case being the law of the land.
12
Agreed, the mayor needs to come out even more strongly against this. And we can all give Mayor De Blasio our support more directly, by calling and writing his office. It makes a difference.
By their own actions and inactions, the police are giving us damning evidence that the force is in desperate need of reform. With their sulking and hyper-sensitivity to any criticism at all, they are exhibiting exactly the opposite of the professionalism and courage they are so fiercely claiming for themselves. And with their refusal to do the day-to-day job of policing the city, they are leaving us vulnerable.
In a city that has been a target of terrorist attacks, we must have a police force with its eyes and ears tuned and ready for anything. And if Bratton has less power over his force than Pat Lynch, maybe the change needs to start at the top.
By their own actions and inactions, the police are giving us damning evidence that the force is in desperate need of reform. With their sulking and hyper-sensitivity to any criticism at all, they are exhibiting exactly the opposite of the professionalism and courage they are so fiercely claiming for themselves. And with their refusal to do the day-to-day job of policing the city, they are leaving us vulnerable.
In a city that has been a target of terrorist attacks, we must have a police force with its eyes and ears tuned and ready for anything. And if Bratton has less power over his force than Pat Lynch, maybe the change needs to start at the top.
3
Refusing to do their jobs simply reinforces the idea that they are not doing the job to protect lives and property, but rather for motives of their own. One of the key criticisms of the police is that the judgement they use in applying the law results in unequal justice between various groups. Having written literally thousands less citations calls into questions two things for me. First, how many of the citations they wrote in the past were actually necessary? Second, if they were necessary, how many crimes that put the public at risk are the police currently ignoring? I don't see any way to look at this that doesn't make it clear that the police do use discretion in applying the law, and not from any motive of wanting to do what is best for the people or innate sense of justice.
5
Mayor de Blasio should do more than find his voice. He should make it clear that the police will police in the manner they are directed to follow by civil authority and the law, regardless of whether the same is to their liking.
He should remind that the NYC Police Department, despite an enormous majority of good cops, still has a history rife with egregious civil rights violations, including beating and rape with a mop handle, framing of innocent citizens, guns ablazing to the tune of 41 shots on innocent people, and a pattern of illegal application of stop and frisk.
The police are by no means heroes or saints. They are men and women on a potentially noble job. The badges, guns and uniforms, however, belong to the People; not the cops.
The Mayor should invite all those who dislike his statement of reality concerning the preparation of his minority son for future police contact, as well as those that dislike his proclamation that policing will be done at the direction of civil authority and law, to surrender up those badges, guns and uniforms back to the People. Let them know they are invited to go find other work, where the terms of employment are more to their liking.
He should remind that the NYC Police Department, despite an enormous majority of good cops, still has a history rife with egregious civil rights violations, including beating and rape with a mop handle, framing of innocent citizens, guns ablazing to the tune of 41 shots on innocent people, and a pattern of illegal application of stop and frisk.
The police are by no means heroes or saints. They are men and women on a potentially noble job. The badges, guns and uniforms, however, belong to the People; not the cops.
The Mayor should invite all those who dislike his statement of reality concerning the preparation of his minority son for future police contact, as well as those that dislike his proclamation that policing will be done at the direction of civil authority and law, to surrender up those badges, guns and uniforms back to the People. Let them know they are invited to go find other work, where the terms of employment are more to their liking.
5
The editorial board is in a snit because those who do not make the law are refusing to enforce it. President Obama has been doing the same thing and nary a peep from the same board.
It is obvious that not writing tickets is a conscious move to retaliate. But the decrease in petty crime enforcement is a rational move by cops who see nothing but added risk when engaging in the ensuing confrontations. If the confrontation escalates, the cops will be hung out to dry.
It is obvious that not writing tickets is a conscious move to retaliate. But the decrease in petty crime enforcement is a rational move by cops who see nothing but added risk when engaging in the ensuing confrontations. If the confrontation escalates, the cops will be hung out to dry.
4
The Police Union is an association to protect the rights of employees who work as Police Officers - they have opinions and rightly so because under the DeBlasio administration they are unfairly being targeted as the root cause and evil of every civil rights issue that rears it's head. DeBlasio chief adviser, Rev Al Sharpton, ever the opportunist to make himself the center of other people's tragedies is a warning sign that DeBlasio is ceding his support for the Police Department by tossing the entire department under the bus. We the citizens of NYC came here or live here for various reasons. The Rudy Giuliani administration saved this city from decrepitude by attacking the smallest infraction especially the squeegee folks - and ever since crime has plummeted while our city benefited and attracted the best, the brightest, folks, business and those willing to spend lots of money that went to the City's coffers. Crime does pay if you eliminate all of it, in a fair way, always. Mayor DeBlasio - stand up and support the Police Department it's our city's lifeblood - all good people want safe environments, protection and know it's available to everyone fairly.
3
They say that "figures don't lie but liars can figure". Sure, murders are at historic lows in the City but the actual number of shootings is higher since the end of stop and frisk. Somehow the politicians and media continually omit this fact.
Let me make one thing very clear, the cops who turned their backs did not disrespect the families of the murdered cops. Tens of thousand cops turned out to pay their respects and only turned when de Blasio spoke. Many feel that de Blasio's wife attending Liu's funeral wearing jeans was more disrespectful than anything the cops standing outside did by turning around.
The conundrum many cops have are the mixed messages sent by the City with regards to enforcing many minor infractions of the law. On the one hand, the City wants the revenue which these summonses generate, but on the other hand, is ultra sensitive to the fallout of "broken windows" policing. Cops are leery about actively enforcing many minor infractions. Many protesting the Garner decision claimed he was being hassled for a petty crime, saying cops should be concerned with real crime, not merely out, "busting chops". The Mayor said nothing about the cops merely doing their job; assigning no responsibility to Garner whatsoever. This is what is unsettling to may cops
Let me make one thing very clear, the cops who turned their backs did not disrespect the families of the murdered cops. Tens of thousand cops turned out to pay their respects and only turned when de Blasio spoke. Many feel that de Blasio's wife attending Liu's funeral wearing jeans was more disrespectful than anything the cops standing outside did by turning around.
The conundrum many cops have are the mixed messages sent by the City with regards to enforcing many minor infractions of the law. On the one hand, the City wants the revenue which these summonses generate, but on the other hand, is ultra sensitive to the fallout of "broken windows" policing. Cops are leery about actively enforcing many minor infractions. Many protesting the Garner decision claimed he was being hassled for a petty crime, saying cops should be concerned with real crime, not merely out, "busting chops". The Mayor said nothing about the cops merely doing their job; assigning no responsibility to Garner whatsoever. This is what is unsettling to may cops
2
For the first time last week I actually felt safe in the city, and safe riding the subway (despite the profile, I now live in NYC). Even before I read that the NYPD had stopped doing their "jobs", I saw that the harrassment of the poor and minorities had stopped, at least temporarily. I even went up to a subway agent booth, despite the fact that two cops were standing adjacent, and despite the fact that I had a bag with me, and asked the agent for a subway map. I usually never do that out of fear of police bullying and intimidation.
While the loss of human life is terrible, and my prayers go out to the families of the slain officers, what is most shocking to me is that the police were "shocked" that two of their own had been assassinated. I believe the means creates the end and violence can never be ended with more violence, but people have been warning for years that if the police don't stop murdering community members in cold blood that a. the public will no longer respect them (true) and that b. (and more chillingly) that people are going to start shooting back. Why the surprise? The chickens have come home to roost.
And seriously, not one officer has come forward to speak of the mortification, shame, and embarrassment he felt when his fellow officers turned their backs on DeBlasio?!
Perhaps it's time to fire the whole force and replace them with community police guards, like jury duty. We all take a turn, we are all trained, and we all respect one another.
While the loss of human life is terrible, and my prayers go out to the families of the slain officers, what is most shocking to me is that the police were "shocked" that two of their own had been assassinated. I believe the means creates the end and violence can never be ended with more violence, but people have been warning for years that if the police don't stop murdering community members in cold blood that a. the public will no longer respect them (true) and that b. (and more chillingly) that people are going to start shooting back. Why the surprise? The chickens have come home to roost.
And seriously, not one officer has come forward to speak of the mortification, shame, and embarrassment he felt when his fellow officers turned their backs on DeBlasio?!
Perhaps it's time to fire the whole force and replace them with community police guards, like jury duty. We all take a turn, we are all trained, and we all respect one another.
6
The police were determined by a grand jury not to have done anything criminal. Yet, there were widespread protests which were widely supported by New Yorkers. Then, when two police officers were murdered, partly in support of the protests, symbolic counter-protests of the police were widely criticized. In upping the ante, the police have decided not to sweat the small stuff. Among other concerns, they want a dialogue that addresses an anti-police mentality that makes their job too dangerous. The failure of the commissioner and others to openly address the legitimate fears of the police is political posturing.. And the police are rightfully angry.
4
The right, who hate de Blasio, "side with" the cops by referring to Sharpton, the left's opposition to policing of minor, non-violent offenses, and the people's right to protest. All of that is both stupid (in this context) and completely off point.
Right-wingers tend to be authoritarian; they like military-style order. That the cops would defy their superiors is a total breakdown in order. It is a conscious rejection of order. It suggests that the police force is unmanageable, mutinous, cavalier in its willingness to make up its own anti-command rules, slovenly about discipline, or some combination of those. Bratton needs to restore order if he wants to lead, never mind further his more detailed goals regarding the "broken window" policies.
Right-wingers tend to be authoritarian; they like military-style order. That the cops would defy their superiors is a total breakdown in order. It is a conscious rejection of order. It suggests that the police force is unmanageable, mutinous, cavalier in its willingness to make up its own anti-command rules, slovenly about discipline, or some combination of those. Bratton needs to restore order if he wants to lead, never mind further his more detailed goals regarding the "broken window" policies.
5
Right wingers tend to respect the law and law officers. Most do not want a police state they simply want people to respect others and more importantly themselves. They don't want things handed to them rather they prefer to work for the things they want instead of taking gun to hand and demanding it from hard working people. And again this will not get printed by this leftist publication, not sure why.
Wow, that didn't take long. The NYT's editorial board's tantrum blaming the solemn, proud and may I underline, peaceful protests at the tragic funerals of their assassinated comrades for creating a dangerous affront to this mayor's authority. It makes one laugh when contrasted with the explicit support this same editorial board provided for the anti-police protesters. The protesters' commitment to their various "causes" seems to rise and fall with the mercury in the thermometer, so while temperatures are in the single digits we are temporarily spared the rants and theatrical "die-ins". However, be sure they will return to our streets with their demands that amount to nothing more than blackmail: give us a curtailed police force or we will bring chaos to your streets. It will be interesting to see how the editors respond at that point.
8
Most people who receive tickets in NYC are minorities. The police have been strongly criticized for their over-zealous policing of minorites.
So, the police are now giving you what you asked for. Unfortunately, the NYT wants it both ways. Total safety and control over the city, provided by a kinder, gentler police force that can't arbitrarily frisk individuals. Good luck with that. Less ticketing may be the beginning of a more friendly (albeit less effective) police force.
The self-righteous editorial board needs to stop criticizing cops and start showing some appreciation for the difficult job that they do. If the cops weren't viewed as the enemy then a police stop would not be viewed as a complete violation of one's manhood. It would be accepted as part of everyday life in a safe and well-behaved city.
So, the police are now giving you what you asked for. Unfortunately, the NYT wants it both ways. Total safety and control over the city, provided by a kinder, gentler police force that can't arbitrarily frisk individuals. Good luck with that. Less ticketing may be the beginning of a more friendly (albeit less effective) police force.
The self-righteous editorial board needs to stop criticizing cops and start showing some appreciation for the difficult job that they do. If the cops weren't viewed as the enemy then a police stop would not be viewed as a complete violation of one's manhood. It would be accepted as part of everyday life in a safe and well-behaved city.
4
If police officers are unwilling to the jobs they are being paid for they need to resign or be removed from that position so it can be filled by someone willing to work. Since when does being a civil servant mean that performing the functions of your job are optional? Congress and politicians have been pulling this for a years and now it is spreading to other factions of government. This is completely unacceptable. There are plenty of young adults graduating college and looking to pursue a career in law enforcement. I think it is time we drastically change the way policing is done and remove any officers unwilling to fall in line with those changes.
7
I agree to the right of the cops to disagree with the mayor. There must be and probably are channels through which the disagreements can be voiced. But by turning their backs on the mayor the cops are showing a total disregard and disrespect for our system of governance. There is something inherently wrong with the act. I cannot put a finger on exactly why it is wrong but I can wonder what it would mean for the country if some of the troops in our military pulled the same stunt on their Commander in Chief, the President of our country. I urgently think that we must, as a country, quit focusing on the forces that work deliberately to divide us for political and for economic gain.
6
Just think if any other group of public sector employees feeling offended and pouty decided to use their discretion to enforce the laws, rule and regulations of New York City. Maybe public firefighters should be selective on the fires they choose to extinguish or cpr they choose to administer. Maybe the public servants at the Office of Aging should stop helping people find appropriate services for their aging parents because it's too hard. Maybe docs and nurses working in the public sector should choose which group of people they treat. Etc. Cops are public servants. You pay their salaries so they can live out of town. Most do not have tough dangerous jobs. They make a fortune in overtime. They have generous retirement benefits. Their petulant behavior aimed at improving contract negotiations are shameful.
10
There are two very different issues here. The first, and foremost, is that police have a sworn duty to protect us and serve the public interest by enforcing our laws. The fact that laws are not being enforced for such things as parking is annoying. The greater issue is whether criminal acts are being pursued. Statistics say no to both. That is something on PBA president Lynch to fix and fix now. If he won't fix it, I'm sure that Commissioner Bratton has an idea what to do. Time is short.
The second issue is why DiBlasio was elected and Bratton brought in. The thuggish behavior of police in this country is out of control. From unwarranted attacks on people of darker skin, to use of the police as Pinkerton squads to aid corporate aims under color of law enforcement, to "stop and frisk" and asset seizures the list of abuses is growing. On top of that, we have SWAT teams to serve warrants and armored vehicles in our cities and towns. Let's get this under control. Now.
The second issue is why DiBlasio was elected and Bratton brought in. The thuggish behavior of police in this country is out of control. From unwarranted attacks on people of darker skin, to use of the police as Pinkerton squads to aid corporate aims under color of law enforcement, to "stop and frisk" and asset seizures the list of abuses is growing. On top of that, we have SWAT teams to serve warrants and armored vehicles in our cities and towns. Let's get this under control. Now.
11
It seems de Blasio tried to minimally agree with a mad mob that the cops need a bit of additional training. What the mob heard was cops suck.
In a period of our society when lynch the cop mob attitude, cop hate is rampant to the point of the only good cop is a dead cop and all shootings of black males are murder ANY statement would be volatile. This seems dangerous ground for a politician.
This faux pas gave the mob just the opening they needed to be even more irrational with an unbridled tsunami of rage at perceived mass cop murderous criminality against "unarmed black males" rather than maybe, possibly, perhaps the vast majority of cops were doing a good job. It would have been a better idea if de Blasio went against the irrational flood of the moment to provide the leadership to resist the all or nothing notion cops are bad.
The editorial board blaming and shaming the people with targets on their backs seems a bit harsh when it was management that didn't do their job very well and inadvertently threw fuel on the activist fostered fire. Management has yet to rectify the situation with a "I misspoke" or other effective remedy. The cops can't do it for them. All the cops can do is try to go home alive each day by making the target on their back as small as possible by being nice folks. To do the same job as before would require lone cop patrols busy giving tickets in an assassination environment. Suicidal at best.
In a period of our society when lynch the cop mob attitude, cop hate is rampant to the point of the only good cop is a dead cop and all shootings of black males are murder ANY statement would be volatile. This seems dangerous ground for a politician.
This faux pas gave the mob just the opening they needed to be even more irrational with an unbridled tsunami of rage at perceived mass cop murderous criminality against "unarmed black males" rather than maybe, possibly, perhaps the vast majority of cops were doing a good job. It would have been a better idea if de Blasio went against the irrational flood of the moment to provide the leadership to resist the all or nothing notion cops are bad.
The editorial board blaming and shaming the people with targets on their backs seems a bit harsh when it was management that didn't do their job very well and inadvertently threw fuel on the activist fostered fire. Management has yet to rectify the situation with a "I misspoke" or other effective remedy. The cops can't do it for them. All the cops can do is try to go home alive each day by making the target on their back as small as possible by being nice folks. To do the same job as before would require lone cop patrols busy giving tickets in an assassination environment. Suicidal at best.
6
Many readers here may have never stepped behind a police desk at a precinct. Persistent practices of round the year indoor barbequing that break all fire codes, pet boa constrictors and many other wide spread "annoyances" are obviously and apparently practiced with an above the law mentality, but there may be one singular experience at the precincts that most outsiders may never come to realize -
It is the constant, ever-on, 24x7 brain washing and debilitating effect of a relentless feed of the Fox News channel; always on, omnipresent in every corridor, every nook, every office around the city (not just the PD).
A practice instituted by past republican governance for over 20 years (Giuliani + Bloomberg) conclusively results in this very direct insubordination of the people of this city. In the mentality bred by a view of a red republican "security state", a Democratic governance cannot be and will not be accepted.
The PD does not know any better, or listen to anyone else other than the insidious drivel coming out of hundreds of screens - and never will until weened off from the delusional non-reality drug of the "faux news".
Imagine what could happen if a bunch of white boy troops from Oklahoma were to turn their back on President Obama.
We feel no different for these bunch of idiots led by their imbecile union leader who cares about nothing better than his pension.
Serve with Honor, they certainly do NOT.
It is the constant, ever-on, 24x7 brain washing and debilitating effect of a relentless feed of the Fox News channel; always on, omnipresent in every corridor, every nook, every office around the city (not just the PD).
A practice instituted by past republican governance for over 20 years (Giuliani + Bloomberg) conclusively results in this very direct insubordination of the people of this city. In the mentality bred by a view of a red republican "security state", a Democratic governance cannot be and will not be accepted.
The PD does not know any better, or listen to anyone else other than the insidious drivel coming out of hundreds of screens - and never will until weened off from the delusional non-reality drug of the "faux news".
Imagine what could happen if a bunch of white boy troops from Oklahoma were to turn their back on President Obama.
We feel no different for these bunch of idiots led by their imbecile union leader who cares about nothing better than his pension.
Serve with Honor, they certainly do NOT.
10
Yes, the madness must end. Contributing to the madness with heavily biased reporting doesn't help. Commisioner Bratton is being delicate? Not just telling the truth? It is likely the police did speak among themselves and "it just caught on", but maybe what caught on was an awareness and an agreement that more tactical awareness and caution needed to be applied when patrolling the city.
Aren't the patrol officers doing their jobs? Their first priority is to answer 911 calls, not to fulfill arrest and summons quotas, yes quotas, as they are frequently and inappropiately pressured to do.
The issuance of summonses should be made incidental to patrol functions. Hopefully those summons and arrest numbers will not go back to where they were. More appropiate methods to generate revenue for the city can be found.
As to the mayor finding his voice to denounce the officers, he was wrong. The officers of the NYPD, as well as officers from around the country, and around the world, found it appropriate to display in silent dignified protest, not only their grief, and need to make a final act of honor to the fallen and their families, but their awareness of the failed leadership that significantly contributed to the anti police "ethic" displayed by protesters and their henchman.
The time for the mayor to find his voice was when his protesters were demanding dead cops. He failed. They won.
Aren't the patrol officers doing their jobs? Their first priority is to answer 911 calls, not to fulfill arrest and summons quotas, yes quotas, as they are frequently and inappropiately pressured to do.
The issuance of summonses should be made incidental to patrol functions. Hopefully those summons and arrest numbers will not go back to where they were. More appropiate methods to generate revenue for the city can be found.
As to the mayor finding his voice to denounce the officers, he was wrong. The officers of the NYPD, as well as officers from around the country, and around the world, found it appropriate to display in silent dignified protest, not only their grief, and need to make a final act of honor to the fallen and their families, but their awareness of the failed leadership that significantly contributed to the anti police "ethic" displayed by protesters and their henchman.
The time for the mayor to find his voice was when his protesters were demanding dead cops. He failed. They won.
8
The tendency to rally around one's own always protects the most despicable among their own. There are real problems whether they be a community's failure to acknowledge its criminal element, procedures which too often lead to the shooting of unarmed people who were not a threat or who might have been handled more skillfully and this with an unfortunate racial component of white against black, the ease with which people who should not have guns obtain guns, the insensitivity with which people who "do not have a racist bone in their bodies" engage in behavior that suggests strong overtones of racism. Each individual, each group, needs to shift from pointing the finger to taking a long look in the mirror.
2
I would suggest that the police commissioner expand the 'broken windows' policy to "broken policemen" as well. A few bad cops, coupled with a police culture that protects those bad cops, are destroying the reputation of the NYPD.
This entire situation makes me seriously consider the argument that public sector unions are bad for society. As another reader pointed out, any police officer who turns his or her back (literally and figuratively) on responsibility should turn his/her back to a pension as well.
This entire situation makes me seriously consider the argument that public sector unions are bad for society. As another reader pointed out, any police officer who turns his or her back (literally and figuratively) on responsibility should turn his/her back to a pension as well.
4
We need a functional police department more than we need this mayor. DeBlasio has lost the ability to lead and should resign and call a special election (which he would lose 'overwhelmingly' at this point, with high voter turnout). The police force is simply registering a 'no confidence' vote, and we are all indebted to them for their courage in leading on this issue
3
As a retired school administrator, I found that when teachers' unions used "work-to-rule" tactics to protest their wages and working conditions they inevitably backfired. "Work-to-rule" reinforced the public's belief that "teachers work 7 hours a day" and "the union rules work against kids and parents". Worse, when teachers only did what they were required to do by the union contract they garnered little sympathy and LOTS of animosity from their natural constituency--- the parents. If this is the game the police union is playing to "get back" at a mayor they should compare notes with teacher unions who by-and-large have abandoned this tactic.
7
The growing public perception is that police petulance is at best a puerile display. It may only increase contempt for the police. I compare the actions of the rank and file to that of me and my colleagues in the UFT. We faced over a decade of insult and abuse from Mayor Bloomberg and his appointees. Yet we showed up for work and tried throughout the attacks for the benefit of our children even though 21st century "education reform" has made our job more daunting. Act professionally and you may recover some of the respect lost because of your recent behavior.
6
This is part of an organized effort of the right wing to discredit the Mayor. They do not care what happens to New York City. If the cost of making Mr de Blasio a one term mayor is returning to the crime filled days of the 1980s, so be it- these people do not care one bit.
From people like Rudy Giuilani and George Pataki and the incredibly irresponsible statements they have made, to Patrick Lynch and his hate filled life (he truly does seem angry at absolutely everything in the world), to the Murdoch press (hello NY Post) fanning the flames; it is obvious what is going on here.
Once again, the America hating conservatives are stirring the pot.
From people like Rudy Giuilani and George Pataki and the incredibly irresponsible statements they have made, to Patrick Lynch and his hate filled life (he truly does seem angry at absolutely everything in the world), to the Murdoch press (hello NY Post) fanning the flames; it is obvious what is going on here.
Once again, the America hating conservatives are stirring the pot.
7
As a former New Yorker, I always suspected the police wanted to be an entity unto themselves.
3
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Who will guard the guards? The Roman Poet Juvenal
Who will guard the guards? The Roman Poet Juvenal
3
The mayoral administration needs to do a better job of supporting the police. This goes far beyond simply visiting hospitals when cops are shot and funerals when cops are killed. The reality is being a police officer often requires making split second decisions, and the backlash and protests against the police will likely cause more police to hesitate during these situations.
Not enough people put themselves in the shoes of a police officer – if someone points what appears to be a gun at you are you supposed to wait and risk your life to find out if it is real. If someone is combative or resists arrest, it is likely force will be needed to apprehend the suspect. If Michael Brown or Eric Garner cooperated with police and didn’t resist arrest they would both be alive today.
It is unlikely there will be an end to this stalemate until the mayor essentially says to the police – I trust your judgment in high-risk scenarios and will give you complete support to do your job effectively. Until this happens, police will likely feel they can be easily thrown under the bus for any error in judgment. As the adage goes, “It is better to be judged by twelve, than carried by six”.
The protesters and media want to have their cake and eat it too. They want police to protect them if they have an emergency crisis, but they still want to demonize police to comfort their social justice psyche.
Not enough people put themselves in the shoes of a police officer – if someone points what appears to be a gun at you are you supposed to wait and risk your life to find out if it is real. If someone is combative or resists arrest, it is likely force will be needed to apprehend the suspect. If Michael Brown or Eric Garner cooperated with police and didn’t resist arrest they would both be alive today.
It is unlikely there will be an end to this stalemate until the mayor essentially says to the police – I trust your judgment in high-risk scenarios and will give you complete support to do your job effectively. Until this happens, police will likely feel they can be easily thrown under the bus for any error in judgment. As the adage goes, “It is better to be judged by twelve, than carried by six”.
The protesters and media want to have their cake and eat it too. They want police to protect them if they have an emergency crisis, but they still want to demonize police to comfort their social justice psyche.
4
"They want police to protect them if they have an emergency crisis, but they still want to demonize police to comfort their social justice psyche."
Not exactly - They want police to protect them, but they want the police to follow the same laws they are sworn to uphold - and the people demonize the police (as they should) when the police don't follow the same laws.
Not exactly - They want police to protect them, but they want the police to follow the same laws they are sworn to uphold - and the people demonize the police (as they should) when the police don't follow the same laws.
2
Putting a swat team with snipers etc. in Ferguson was not a split-second decision and only served to inflame a situation. Garner's death was also not a split second decision. Michael Brown's death also was avoidable - if Brown was so scary (hmm, didn't notice much/any damage to the police officer's face from the supposed beating), why not get backup rather than confronting? Your myopic defense of the police is visceral and not constructive.
You, and many others, don't seem to understand that the job of the police is to protect and serve THE PUBLIC - which includes Brown and Garner and the protestors in Ferguson and the kid who was shot while holding a "fake" gun and the guy in the store holding a bb-gun sold by the store and Amadou Diallo - and to KEEP THE PEACE, which means defusing rather than inflaming a situation or being unnecessarily confrontational or belligerent. Given that their job is to serve and protect the public and keep the peace, police should want to hear about any problems so they can improve their ability to serve and protect and keep the peace rather than responding defensively as are you and many in the ranks. Given that their job is to protect and serve and keep the peace, choosing to be "judged by twelve" and have a possible innocent (e.g., the guy blown away in a store while holding an in-store bb-gun) "carried by six", as you say the adage goes, is quite wrong-headed, and the adage also goes against the supposed fear that police will hesitate.
You, and many others, don't seem to understand that the job of the police is to protect and serve THE PUBLIC - which includes Brown and Garner and the protestors in Ferguson and the kid who was shot while holding a "fake" gun and the guy in the store holding a bb-gun sold by the store and Amadou Diallo - and to KEEP THE PEACE, which means defusing rather than inflaming a situation or being unnecessarily confrontational or belligerent. Given that their job is to serve and protect the public and keep the peace, police should want to hear about any problems so they can improve their ability to serve and protect and keep the peace rather than responding defensively as are you and many in the ranks. Given that their job is to protect and serve and keep the peace, choosing to be "judged by twelve" and have a possible innocent (e.g., the guy blown away in a store while holding an in-store bb-gun) "carried by six", as you say the adage goes, is quite wrong-headed, and the adage also goes against the supposed fear that police will hesitate.
2
This editorial falls far short. Perhaps it is designed to fall short in order to provide time and encourage the parties to resolve their conflict.
It is also accurate in its assertions that the cops are defying civil authority and threatening to unravel the social fabric. The editorial, perhaps wisely, only hints at accountability.
What has not been presented is what the cops want. What do they want? To be left alone to kill unarmed suspects? To have unlimited authority over citizens and suspects? To have no accountability for the worst of them? The editorial board should opine on whether there is likely any underlying productive goal to the cops insubordination, in terms of their self-interest, or if all these actions have no rational end game.
It is also accurate in its assertions that the cops are defying civil authority and threatening to unravel the social fabric. The editorial, perhaps wisely, only hints at accountability.
What has not been presented is what the cops want. What do they want? To be left alone to kill unarmed suspects? To have unlimited authority over citizens and suspects? To have no accountability for the worst of them? The editorial board should opine on whether there is likely any underlying productive goal to the cops insubordination, in terms of their self-interest, or if all these actions have no rational end game.
9
First, does the NY Times have any evidence of an intentional work slowdown to support this theory? Maybe the cops are too busy making sure the protestors are safe as they re blocking traffic? Or attending wakes and funerals?
Two NYPD officers were shot last night responding to violent in progress.
Also, I thought the NY Times was in favor of less enforcement of minor offenses? I thought the NY Times claimed over and over that there are way too many prisoners in US prisons?
NY Times editorial board, gimme a break!