Chapter 5 The NYPD Files

5.1 Force

The most frequent allegation by a huge margin has been the use of physical violence by a police officer.

5.2 Abuse of Authority

Police have been abusing their authority towards invasion of privacy such as stop, frisk and search. Even if this may be warranted, a refusal to provide name/shield number by the officer is not acceptable.

5.3 Discourtesy

Officers have had a tendency to be rude with their words more often than their actions. It may be comforting to note that sexist or homophobic remarks are the bottom of this list.

5.4 Offensive Language

However, racist remarks are still most common with twice the number of allegations compared to sexist remarks, which is the second most common.

5.4.1 Board Disposition vs Complaint Type

While abuse of authority has the highest rate of substantiated cases, use of force has been exonerated at an alarming rate by the board.

It is also a matter of concern that discourteous remarks or the use of offensive language has a high proportion of unsubstantiated cases.