Former NYPD Officer Critiques Bill de Blasio in Memoir

A recent report reveals that former NYPD officer Katrina Brownley has criticized former Mayor Bill de Blasio in her new memoir, titled “And the Blues Come.”

In her memoir, Brownley discusses her background, including a harrowing incident where her ex-fiancé shot her ten times, according to The New York Post. After that experience, she ended up joining the police force, eventually retiring in 2021 as a first-grade detective.

Brownley sheds light on her experiences with de Blasio, detailing what she perceived as his negative attitude towards police officers. She claims that, while she never felt directly underestimated, de Blasio appeared more concerned about his own status than about empowering those around him.

“There was an instance when de Blasio was on the phone at City Hall, and a police officer temporarily posted there removed his hat. De Blasio interpreted it as disrespect and quickly called the police sergeant,” she recounted.

According to The New York Post, Brownley, who had served as part of de Blasio’s security detail, observed that he struggled to show a softer side as a leader. In her writings, she portrays him as a “really caring person” in private, yet self-absorbed in public settings.

She also commented on the atmosphere in de Blasio’s office, describing it as filled with “white millennials” who lacked respect for the mayor. Furthermore, she alleged that he did not acknowledge not being re-elected for a second term.

Brownley noted that, although he expressed disapproval of his staff’s negative comments, she didn’t feel sympathy for him. “He couldn’t manage his team to foster their growth, which hindered potential new leaders,” she stated.

Brownley also shared that de Blasio’s annual gestures towards his security team felt insincere. “He would talk about our importance and express appreciation, but the very next day, he wouldn’t even say good morning,” she said.

She also mentioned that First Lady Chirlane McCray’s security details were abruptly taken away, with a commander indicating that McCray personally disliked Brownley. “She doesn’t like you. That’s what it is,” the officer reportedly told her.

Brownley expressed her frustration, stating, “I was angry at myself and all New Yorkers for helping get Bill and Syraan in office, feeling tricked by the whole situation.”

However, she later found a more human side to the mayor during a discussion about their annual Christmas party while they were shopping together. Brownley noted that after that conversation, de Blasio continued to make Christmas special for her. “I found him to be a truly caring person, even suggesting we go out for a drink after my retirement,” Brownley reflected.