Issues Under Fire: The NYPD Needs Taming, Not Training

Issues Under Fire: The NYPD Needs Taming, Not Training  

As the public shouts from coast to coast for major reforms in law enforcement and justice from the legal system, the NYPD responds with a three day training program. Whatever that training will entail, it had better be incredibly complex and comprehensive, considering the issues and mindsets involved. Reversing decades of permitting overly aggressive behaviors when interacting with certain demographics will take considerable buy in from the rank and file. 

Unfortunately, after examining the culture of the NYPD, one would have to question if those being trained will be open and receptive to any new ideas. Since current NYPD leadership remains committed to the very policies that has enraged a nation, its difficult to imagine the average New York city police officer taking any effort to change the status quo seriously. The disconnect between the public and the police has grown too large. 

When Bill Bratton, New York city police commissioner was asked if Black men had a reason to fear the NYPD, he was very emphatic when he responded "No"! This is a disconnect. Either commissioner Bratton is in complete denial, or Black men are paranoid and delusional. As far as the commissioner is concerned, what's happening to Black men in New York and beyond, is merely a figment of the imagination. What other conclusion can one draw from this?  

Despite the public's outrage and out cry for change in policing , Pat Lynch, president of the NYPD's Patrolmen's Association called patrolmen Daniel "Chokehold" Pantaleo an Eagle Scout and a model officer. Once again, it appears to be a complete disconnect between the realities of the police and that of the people. Mr. Lynch has become, if not always been, totally tone deaf to those he's sworn to protect. With mindsets like these firmly entrenched in the upper echelons the NYPD, any efforts Mayor Bill de Balsio makes to reform the department will be met with stiff resistance.

Sadly, the mayor has been placed in the unenviable position of being forced to chose between the people who elected him and the police. While that is an awful place to be, the mayor should have seen this showdown as inevitable. It will give the people of New York a chance to see what  the mayor is made of. Understandably, Its not easy to stand up to the largest police department and most powerful law enforcement union in the nation, but considering the NYPD's policing policies have been condemned from Brooklyn NY to Berkley CA. the mayor should feel confident he'll have overwhelming support from the people.

If mayor de Blasio is successful in bringing about a change in the policing philosophy of the NYPD, perhaps New York could establish a model for other cites to emulate. If not, New York city could prove to be ground zero for a major and sustained clash between the people and the police.

Bottom line: If mayor de Blasio is truly serious about making changes in the department, he may be compelled to make sure those changes come at the top. The mayor need only point to the "results" of NYPD's policies to demand commissioner Bratton's resignation.

When that the people of New York city looses all confidence, trust and respect for the police department due to the insistence of maintaining failed outdated ineffective and policies, that ironically threatens public safety, its time for the "We thank you for your service" talk. Podcast Below!