Recent developments indicate that Terrell Anderson, who was in charge of the NYPD’s “Candidate Evaluation Division,” has been reassigned as part of an Internal Affairs Bureau inquiry. This stems from allegations that over 70 recruits were permitted to stay at the Police Academy despite not meeting mental health requirements, according to law enforcement sources.
On May 12, Anderson’s shift was confirmed by an NYPD spokesperson, who noted that there would be no comments regarding the ongoing investigation.
Notably, among these recruits is Emilio Andino, who is reportedly the nephew of former NYPD official Quathisha Epps. Epps made headlines for her connection to a scandal involving a significant salary and overtime pay, linked to a December incident.
Sources suggest that Anderson received directives from Epps to retain Andino at the academy, despite concerns regarding his qualifications. Additionally, he allegedly faced pressure from higher-ups to maintain other recruits who were also unfit for service.
Andino, who is still at the academy, faced suspension last month due to an incident with another recruit. He has since launched a lawsuit, claiming that discrimination arose from his aunt’s controversial position in the department.
Eric Sanders, the attorney representing Andino and Epps, has yet to comment on the lawsuit, which characterizes the situation as one of retaliation against those connected to whistleblowers. Sanders emphasized that Andino was targeted not for any misconduct but due to familial ties.
Amidst a larger recruitment crisis, which has seen the department shrink from over 40,000 officers in 2000 to around 34,475 today, the NYPD has started to lower standards for recruits. Changes have included revamping physical requirements and easing educational prerequisites to bolster officer numbers.
The department recently graduated its first new class since these adjustments, aiming for 35,000 officers by the next year. Epps’ earlier tenure included serious allegations against former chief Jeffrey Madrid, who abruptly retired amid scandalous claims regarding sexual misconduct in exchange for professional benefits.
