NYPD Big Blue Boo-boo

Should a current NYPD Commissioner promote one of their corporate suppliers? Police Commissioner Raymond Kelley did just that for IBM. In a two minute commercial, Kelley was touting IBM’s technology and praising it for helping to solve crimes more quickly. The computer equipment was purchased with the support of the not-for-profit Police Foundation group. The commercial’s concept was IBM’s approach to advertise its problem-solving, solution-based business. To the best of anyone’s knowledge, no NYPD official ever acted in a similar manner. Deputy Commissioner Paul Brown said the video was not done to benefit IBM but to “highlight” the Center, “which the department and the Police Foundation are very proud of.” Kelley was not paid for his services. In the future, it might be best to promote NYPD successes in local news headlines and improved crime statistics, rather than in commercial endorsements. Save those for a real New York cop/actor ... like Dennis.

Terrorism Recedes Into PA’s PAst

The “threat color level” for the Port Authority appears to be rosy. Security patrols around midtown’s Port Authority Bus Terminal have been reduced to pre-9/11 levels; reportedly to save on excessive overtime costs. This is the busiest bus-port in the world with over 200,000 passengers a day yet three security booths, constructed after 9/11, are now unmanned 24/7. The PA was found liable in 6 deaths and 1,000 injuries in the 1993 WTC bombing. Critics say that New York’s commuter hub is far less safe than it should be. Port Authority spokespeople claim its safer now than ever before. Hopefully circumstances won’t lead to a court ruling against the PA once again.