Cops Go From Good Guys To Better Guys

NYPD misconduct complaints have declined for the first time in seven years. 7,559 complaints were filed with the Civilian Complaints Review Board in 2007. Though that number is lower than in 2006, the CCRB states that total complaints are still at historic highs. Whether that’s the fault of New York’s cops or a more sensitive citizenry is unknown at this time. We should all be grateful for the overwhelmingly professional manner in which today's police conduct themselves. Also, for the fact that we as New York City residents have recourse to take if we feel that our rights have been violated.

Manhattan Beach Bias Brouhaha

Attorney Gene Berardelli was ticketed while intervening on behalf of several black teens trying to enter a public beach in predominantly white Manhattan Beach. Police claim that they were at the beach and others, in response to “Senior Cut Day,” a day when many New York City high school kids play hooky. However Berardelli claims cops were permitting white kids onto the beach while preventing blacks. The NYPD explained that the white kids were on a field trip while the black kids were cutting classes. Berardelli plans to file a complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Hopefully this matter won’t prove as black and white as it seems.

Cursing Cops Can Continue

That's what Andrew Case says (politely). Mr. Case is a spokesman for New York's Civilian Complaint Review Board. He believes that strong language can be an effective tool for a police officer to use in certain situations. Surprisingly, the NYPD guidebook instructs cops to be “courteous and respectful.” It does not explicitly forbid profanity. Of 4,024 complaints, only 6.6% were substantiated. In most of these cases, the officers usually received a stern lecture. That’s unf*ckingbelieveable, no? If strong language from a policeman can prevent the need for additional stronger action, it’s probably a good f*cking thing.