Veteran Discovers "Sealed" Case Listed As Unresolved....30 Years LaterA FROM THE G-MAN EXCLUSIVE
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is waging a fierce battle to protect the integrity of the agency, department officials and the reputation of "New York's Finest", as two recent incidents have sparked legal debates and public outrage.
In late 2010, former officer Adrian Schoolcraft, who was recognized by the NYPD for outstanding service during his tenure, rocked the department and the city by providing detailed information to the media regarding alleged corruption and misconduct at Brooklyn's 81st precinct.
Schoolcraft's evidence included audio tapes of high-ranking police officials berating and threatening officers for not writing enough tickets. Several members of the precinct are now facing departmental charges.
Last week, numerous online and print news sources reported that the NYPD is currently under investigation for ticket-fixing. The report alleges as many as 400 cops -- including decorated police officials -- acted in concert to alter, dismiss or "fix" tickets issued to family members and close friends.
Now, From The G-Man has learned that another major storm is on the horizon -- one that promises to cause even greater turmoil within the department, impact the morale of its officers, and further erode public confidence.
A 20-year veteran has come forward -- speaking exclusively to From The G-Man -- demanding that the majority of sealed criminal cases be reviewed not only by federal agencies and attorneys, but also by police officers throughout the five boroughs. The officer's identity is being concealed for fear of retribution by the NYPD.
"This all started when I went to One Police Plaza, in downtown Manhattan, to obtain a letter of good standing. In addition to being a veteran of the department, I'm a business-owner and thought it would be in my best interest to have one," said the officer.
"I filed all of the necessary paperwork, paid all fees and was told to pick up the letter in a week or two. When I went to pick up the letter, I got the shock of my life," he proclaimed.
The officer was informed by a department representative in charge of processing the letters that his request was denied because he had an unresolved criminal case on record, which, according to the officer, occurred more than 30 years ago.
"I was stunned because the case was settled back in 1976, and I still had the documents to prove it. After the matter was settled in court, I was assured the case would be sealed and that I'd have nothing to worry about," the officer continued.
"Obviously, they were wrong and someone didn't do what they were supposed to do."
After sustained efforts, and the full cooperation of the NYPD representative in charge of issuing the letter, the officer eventually received his letter of good standing. The representative told the officer that the reason his record was never sealed was because "they didn't have computers back then".
"At some point, this could've had a major impact on my career as a police officer and business owner. I'm truly lucky that it hasn't," stated the officer.
While the officer and NYPD delegate does consider himself fortunate, he was quick to note that this situation has raised some very serious concerns.
"I'm really worried because I realize there could be hundreds or thousands of other police officers in New York City that are completely unaware they have criminal cases in the archives that are still listed as open or unresolved, even though the cases may have been satisfied years ago," the officer said.
"I also have serious questions about the whole investigation process for people trying to come on the job. How many good candidates have been disqualified from becoming New York City police officers because a criminal case that was resolved somehow popped up -- when it should've been sealed years ago? This is very, very serious."
The officer then noted his greatest concern -- something that he believes federal authorities and lawyers should seriously investigate.
"New York City police officers stop and question hundreds of individuals on a daily basis, for various reasons. These people are asked to present identification and, at times, they're run through the system to see if they have any outstanding warrants, ect. Well, if someone had a criminal case back in 1983 that was settled but never sealed, and they no longer have the documents to prove the case was settled, what do you think is going to happen to them?"
The New York City Police Department's Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI) was contacted to obtain comments regarding the officer's concerns and to gain more insight on the process involved with sealing criminal cases. The NYPD has not responded, but any and all comments from the department will be posted on From The G-Man should they be provided at a later date.
Schoolcraft's evidence included audio tapes of high-ranking police officials berating and threatening officers for not writing enough tickets. Several members of the precinct are now facing departmental charges.
Last week, numerous online and print news sources reported that the NYPD is currently under investigation for ticket-fixing. The report alleges as many as 400 cops -- including decorated police officials -- acted in concert to alter, dismiss or "fix" tickets issued to family members and close friends.
Now, From The G-Man has learned that another major storm is on the horizon -- one that promises to cause even greater turmoil within the department, impact the morale of its officers, and further erode public confidence.
A 20-year veteran has come forward -- speaking exclusively to From The G-Man -- demanding that the majority of sealed criminal cases be reviewed not only by federal agencies and attorneys, but also by police officers throughout the five boroughs. The officer's identity is being concealed for fear of retribution by the NYPD.
"This all started when I went to One Police Plaza, in downtown Manhattan, to obtain a letter of good standing. In addition to being a veteran of the department, I'm a business-owner and thought it would be in my best interest to have one," said the officer.
"I filed all of the necessary paperwork, paid all fees and was told to pick up the letter in a week or two. When I went to pick up the letter, I got the shock of my life," he proclaimed.
The officer was informed by a department representative in charge of processing the letters that his request was denied because he had an unresolved criminal case on record, which, according to the officer, occurred more than 30 years ago.
"I was stunned because the case was settled back in 1976, and I still had the documents to prove it. After the matter was settled in court, I was assured the case would be sealed and that I'd have nothing to worry about," the officer continued.
"Obviously, they were wrong and someone didn't do what they were supposed to do."
After sustained efforts, and the full cooperation of the NYPD representative in charge of issuing the letter, the officer eventually received his letter of good standing. The representative told the officer that the reason his record was never sealed was because "they didn't have computers back then".
"At some point, this could've had a major impact on my career as a police officer and business owner. I'm truly lucky that it hasn't," stated the officer.
While the officer and NYPD delegate does consider himself fortunate, he was quick to note that this situation has raised some very serious concerns.
"I'm really worried because I realize there could be hundreds or thousands of other police officers in New York City that are completely unaware they have criminal cases in the archives that are still listed as open or unresolved, even though the cases may have been satisfied years ago," the officer said.
"I also have serious questions about the whole investigation process for people trying to come on the job. How many good candidates have been disqualified from becoming New York City police officers because a criminal case that was resolved somehow popped up -- when it should've been sealed years ago? This is very, very serious."
The officer then noted his greatest concern -- something that he believes federal authorities and lawyers should seriously investigate.
"New York City police officers stop and question hundreds of individuals on a daily basis, for various reasons. These people are asked to present identification and, at times, they're run through the system to see if they have any outstanding warrants, ect. Well, if someone had a criminal case back in 1983 that was settled but never sealed, and they no longer have the documents to prove the case was settled, what do you think is going to happen to them?"
The New York City Police Department's Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI) was contacted to obtain comments regarding the officer's concerns and to gain more insight on the process involved with sealing criminal cases. The NYPD has not responded, but any and all comments from the department will be posted on From The G-Man should they be provided at a later date.
No comments:
Post a Comment