On Friday, June 12, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law a set of anti-police bills that will affect how we police New York City. From the repeal of 50-a that now allows our disciplinary records to be made public — including unfounded, unsubstantiated, exonerated, and substantiated verdicts — to the creation of an investigative unit in the New York Attorney General’s Office that will look into allegations against police from any source, it is more vivid than ever that we have no support from Albany and City Hall.
Police in New York City and across the country are under attack, both physically and by elected officials. The very same elected officials who have Detectives detailed to them for protection — and just a few years ago requested and approved an increased police hiring — are now vilifying those in blue instead of attempting to bring people together.
Opportunistic politicians claim not to want the police to respond to emotionally disturbed people, homeless complaints, and even neighbor disputes. Yet, the reason we see these calls more than any other issue is due to the failed policies these so-called leaders create.
When Albany pushed their criminal justice reforms without bringing law enforcement to the table, we knew it would fail and crime would rise. This is no different, and once again the people we proudly protect every day will suffer. Crime in New York City continues to rise and our careers have never been at greater risk.
It is time now to make sure all of us and our families are protected. The DEA strongly urges you to have the least amount of interaction with the public that is necessary to fulfill your official duties. Keep yourself and your fellow cops safe — but know that there is no support at the highest levels of City and State political leadership. Your actions will be highly scrutinized based on zero facts by politicians who are only worried about re-election and furthering their own agendas.
In this current anti-police climate, when Officers are being attacked and arrested for defending themselves, we must look out for one another.
As politicians speak out of both sides of their mouths and offer no solutions, please know that the DEA is always in your corner. We will continue to fight for your rights at every turn. Please never hesitate to contact your Delegate, Welfare Officer, Trustee, or the DEA office.
Fraternally,
Paul DiGiacomo, President and the DEA Board of Officers
