Top NYPD Officials Faulted for “Demeaning” Social Media Posts
Investigators Find Violation of Department Policy
Two high-ranking New York City police chiefs, John Chell and Kaz Daughtry, have been faulted by investigators for publishing “unprofessional” and “demeaning” social media posts that attacked civil servants and journalists.
Report Finds Multiple Instances of “Inappropriate” Online Behavior
According to a report released by the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD, both Chell and Daughtry violated department policy by posting content that served to “diminish senior law enforcement officers in the eyes of the public.”
Online Vitriol Coincides with Effort to “Control the Narrative”
The investigation found that the online vitriol coincided with an effort by the NYPD to “control the narrative” by creating its own media apparatus and going after those seen as hostile to the department’s goals.
Chell’s Posts Attacked Judge, City Council Member
The report highlighted several instances of “inappropriate” online behavior, including a post from Chell’s official X account that accused a New York judge of letting a “predator” loose on the city’s streets. Chell later acknowledged that he had misidentified the judge.
Posts Could Violate Hatch Act, Investigators Say
Chell’s posts also included descriptions of a progressive City Council member as a “person who hates our city” and encouraged his followers to “vote the change you seek.” This language could potentially violate the Hatch Act, a federal law that bars political activity by government employees.
Spokesperson for NYPD Denies Consequences for Violators
A spokesperson for the NYPD stated that the agency had made “significant changes to its social media practices” since the probe began last year, but did not respond to questions about whether any officials would face consequences for violating department policy.
Investigation Highlights Need for Improved Oversight
The report emphasizes the need for improved oversight of social media use by NYPD officials. Rendy Desamours, a spokesperson for the City Council, stated that the investigation made clear that the NYPD “must align its social media practices with the City’s established policy and maintain strong oversight to ensure compliance.”
Aggressive Messages Stopped During Investigation
According to the report, the aggressive messages stopped during the investigation, not because of any official change in department policies around social media, but rather because the department recognized that it could respond effectively to criticism without creating a public backlash.
Conclusion
The investigation highlights the need for improved oversight and accountability for NYPD officials on social media. The department’s aggressive online behavior not only attacks civil servants and journalists but also undermines public trust in the police force.
FAQs
What was the main finding of the investigation?
Two high-ranking NYPD officials, John Chell and Kaz Daughtry, violated department policy by publishing “unprofessional” and “demeaning” social media posts that attacked civil servants and journalists.
What were some specific examples of “inappropriate” online behavior?
The report highlighted several instances, including a post from Chell’s official X account that accused a New York judge of letting a “predator” loose on the city’s streets and posts that mocked journalists and encouraged followers to “vote the change you seek.”
What is the Hatch Act?
The Hatch Act is a federal law that bars political activity by government employees who work in connection with federal programs. Chell’s posts encouraging followers to “vote the change you seek” could potentially violate this law.
