The NYPD’s disciplinary process needs to be more transparent and accountable, a panel of top law-enforcement experts concluded, among other findings.
The group, appointed by Commissioner James O’Neill, included ex-federal prosecutors Mary Jo White of Manhattan and Robert Capers of Brooklyn, and Barbara Jones, a former federal judge and chief assistant Manhattan DA.
The officials spent seven months scrutinizing NYPD policies, compiling a 57-page report released Friday.
The report notes that the law prevents the disclosure of most disciplinary actions against cops, but recommends the department cooperate with the state Legislature and suggest ways to improve transparency.
It also said the department should be more accountable to the public when O’Neill exercises his right to modify an NYPD trial judge’s disciplinary decision.
White said at a press briefing that the NYPD’s disciplinary system was generally fair but that the department lacks transparency.