Concerns Raised Over Police Oversight in New York
New York City’s largest police union is pushing for more stringent oversight of the police, highlighting concerning remarks made by investigators in the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) who handle civilian complaints against officers.
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) claims that the chief of these investigators, Stephen DiFiore, along with seven others, have made anti-police statements and have affiliations with radical political organizations. It seems many of these investigators, particularly those hired post-2020, have been vocal in their criticisms of police.
In a recent social media post, DiFiore criticized Mayor Mamdani for retaining Jessica Tisch as the police chief, labeling this decision as both a tactical and moral misstep. He suggested that she would impede Zoran’s strategies and continue to shield problematic officers.
Furthermore, DiFiore commended Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for opting not to prosecute individuals who assaulted police with ice and snow during a winter incident in Washington Square Park. He remarked that it was evident, even to those not part of the NYPD, that this would not qualify as assault but merely harassment.
Among the more explicit anti-police remarks, investigator Jaquon Turner shared a meme on Facebook suggesting that if he were in a high-speed chase, he would play “FK the Police” by N.W.A. Detective Lauryn Similka also expressed extreme sentiments on social media, indicating that matching with police officers on dating apps was a form of community service. In another post, she mused about the necessity of police officers, suggesting that society might function better without them.
Similarly, Alex Panite, a CCRB investigator since 2023, also featured the acronym ACAB—standing for “All Cops are Bastards”—in his social media profile. Emiles Quiroz, another investigator associated with the CCRB, has been outspoken about defunding the police, particularly after the protests following George Floyd’s death. She argued that merely defunding wouldn’t address the underlying issues of police violence.
Will Jacobson, another CCRB investigator, previously wrote a review that criticized police accountability in the context of notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes.
CCRB investigators are tasked with interviewing various parties involved in complaints, from victims to police officers, and they gather necessary evidence to inform recommendations regarding police discipline. PBA President Patrick Hendry remarked that although investigators are supposed to operate with impartiality, the current situation indicates a significant bias against police.
Questions arise about the CCRB’s vetting process for its employees. Hendry criticized the board for seemingly tolerating or even promoting anti-police sentiments among its staff. In response, CCRB Executive Director Jonathan Darsch acknowledged the PBA’s concerns but contended that their actions represent an attempt to undermine the CCRB’s disciplinary process, asserting that investigations into police misconduct would continue to be handled fairly and impartially.
