The NYPD Comes Under Fire for ‘Demeaning’ Social Media Posts
In a scathing report released by the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD, two high-ranking New York City police chiefs have been accused of violating department policy due to their “unprofessional” and “demeaning” social media posts. The report, unveiled on Tuesday, singled out the department’s current top uniformed member, John Chell, and Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry for their online behavior last year, which was deemed to “diminish senior law enforcement officers in the eyes of the public.”
The investigators highlighted several instances of inappropriate conduct, including a post on Chell’s official account that falsely accused a New York judge of releasing a “predator” onto the city streets. Chell later admitted to misidentifying the judge. Additionally, he referred to a progressive City Council member as a “person who hates our city” after she raised concerns about the NYPD’s response to campus protests against Israel. In another tweet, Chell urged his followers to “vote the change you seek,” a message that could potentially violate the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits political activity by government employees working on federal programs.
The report stated that the social media posts by Chell and Daughtry were in breach of department policies on courtesy and civility, raising questions about their engagement in political activities. Despite the violations, the NYPD spokesperson mentioned that the agency had implemented “significant changes to its social media practices” since the investigation began, although no details were provided on any potential consequences for the officials involved.
Both Chell and Daughtry had also resorted to mocking nicknames for journalists, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the administration’s achievements. Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, defended the police chiefs for “standing up for police officers who are placing their lives on the line.” Chell was recently appointed as chief of the department, replacing another Adams ally who stepped down amid allegations of sexual abuse.
Rendy Desamours, a spokesperson for the City Council, emphasized the importance of aligning the NYPD’s social media practices with the city’s established policy and ensuring strict oversight to enforce compliance. The inspector general’s report noted that the offensive messages had ceased after the investigation began, not due to any official change in social media policies but because the department realized it could address criticism without sparking public backlash.
As the dust settles on this controversy, the NYPD faces mounting pressure to uphold professionalism and respect in their online interactions. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media in today’s digital age, highlighting the need for law enforcement agencies to navigate these platforms with caution and accountability. Moving forward, the department must prioritize transparency, integrity, and adherence to guidelines to rebuild public trust and ensure responsible social media practices among its officials.