Introduction to the NYPD Hiring Scandal
Nearly three dozen NYPD officers who the department now says never should have been hired or promoted will be allowed to remain on the force, for now, amid the ongoing scandal.
A judge on Tuesday sided with the 31 officers, saying they will be permitted to keep working as members of the NYPD while an investigation into the hiring scandal continues. The judge’s decision came as a result of the Police Benevolent Association, which represents officers, filing a motion in court.
The Officers’ Situation
"They were hired. Make no mistake about it," said PBA President Patrick Hendry. "Why should they be penalized for decisions made by the NYPD?” This is unfair. This process is not fair: we want a fair process and that’s why we’re here." The officers involved have had their guns and shields taken away while the investigation unfolds.
Background of the Scandal
The decision comes about a week after the NYPD announced dozens of officers who had been on the force for a year or two should never have passed the hiring process and would be fired immediately. The department said the officers were disqualified for reasons including criminal convictions, previous arrests, getting fired from previous jobs, criminal summonses and drivers license suspensions. In court filings obtained by NBC New York, one officer "freely admitted a history of arrests and violations of law." Another showed a "serious disregard for rules and consequences…Extensive history of poor decision-making and recklessness" that included four motor vehicle convictions. A third officer acknowledged that he paid a female stripper for sex in 2017.
Allegations Against Hiring Officer
According to the NYPD, a hiring officer, Inspector Terrell Anderson, was to blame. They allege he unilaterally allowed disqualified candidates back into the hiring process. Anderson has since been reassigned to the housing unit while the investigation continues. On July 10, a state judge granted a temporary restraining order preventing the NYPD from firing police officers who it claims were hired in an "improper process."
Lawsuit Against the NYPD
Hendry said the officers haven’t had any issues since being on the force and should be given a chance to keep their jobs. A lawsuit alleged "improper" promotions and transfers compromised standards within the department, an NYPD spokesperson said in a statement. The NYPD required those officers to leave their posts. James Essig, the NYPD’s former chief of detectives, filed the lawsuit claiming he was forced out of the department and retaliated against because he raised concerns over what he viewed as improper promotions and transfers between 2023 and 2024.
Details of the Lawsuit
He also claimed former NYPD leadership was “selling promotions” for up to $15,000, according to a copy of the complaint. Essig retired in Sept. 2023 and says he was forced out as a three-star chief after a 40-year career after he challenged former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and former NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban, then the first deputy commissioner, over what he considered promotions and transfers to specialized units within the Detective Bureau that didn’t align with department policy. The suit alleges that starting in 2023, Maddrey sought to bypass the official transfer process.
Allegations of Unqualified Transfers
It says, “Essig noticed that there were a high number of unusual and/or unvetted transfers of Investigators to the CTFD [Criminal Task Force Division]. “ The suit alleges that, “other officers in Essig’s office who were also involved in oversight of the transfer process began to notice that unqualified or inexperienced Detective Investigators were being referred for transfer, or were being placed into CTFD units despite being rejected as unqualified or inexperienced.” The suit says that Essig went to then-First Deputy Police Commissioner Caban with his concern about transfers of investigators saying, “We can’t be doing this.”
Response to the Allegations
The suit alleges that Caban responded by saying, “Do you have a problem with this?” and that since Caban was Essig’s superior, Essig felt he could not directly challenge Caban. The suit continues, alleging Maddrey was involved in the transfers but it was Caban who also had friends and “cronies” selected for discretionary promotions that bypassed the official process. “Upon information and belief, this is because Caban was selling promotions in exchange for up to $15,000”, the suit alleges.
Conclusion
The ongoing scandal surrounding the hiring and promotion practices within the NYPD has led to a temporary reprieve for 31 officers whose jobs were at risk. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what consequences, if any, will be faced by those involved in the alleged improper practices.
FAQs
Q: How many NYPD officers are affected by the hiring scandal?
A: 31 officers are allowed to remain on the force for now, while an investigation into the hiring scandal continues.
Q: What were the reasons for the officers’ initial disqualification?
A: The officers were disqualified for reasons including criminal convictions, previous arrests, getting fired from previous jobs, criminal summonses, and drivers license suspensions.
Q: Who is alleged to be responsible for the improper hiring practices?
A: Inspector Terrell Anderson is alleged to have unilaterally allowed disqualified candidates back into the hiring process.
Q: What is the nature of the lawsuit filed against the NYPD?
A: The lawsuit alleges "improper" promotions and transfers compromised standards within the department and claims that former NYPD leadership was “selling promotions” for up to $15,000.
