The New York Police Department (NYPD) is facing a record-breaking year in lawsuit payouts, with over $67 million already paid out, according to an analysis by the Legal Aid Society. The analysis reveals that the NYPD has already exceeded its total payouts for 2020 and is on the verge of surpassing the amount paid in 2019. While
the official city data doesn't capture all police misconduct claims, it is evident that the department has also spent a significant amount on settlements with complainants who didn't formally file litigation.
In the fiscal year 2021, the NYPD paid a staggering $206.7 million in total. This accounted for 37% of the city's resolved civil cases. The Police Benevolent Association, representing rank-and-file officers, declined to comment, while the NYPD attributed 70% of the payouts to four large settlements, with the remaining settlements consistent with previous years. The increase in lawsuit payouts raises concerns about patterns of misconduct and the impact on victims.
Legal Aid attorney Corey Stoughton suggests that a culture driven by a small number of officers who repeatedly commit misconduct contributes to this problem, emphasizing the need to break this cycle. Some officers named in multiple lawsuits have cost taxpayers over $1 million, indicating the severity of their actions. Holding police accountable goes beyond lawsuits, with the Civilian Complaint Review Board and internal NYPD systems responsible for investigating and disciplining officers. Proposed rule changes may grant the board even more power to review officers' conduct.
Mayor Eric Adams has shown support for the police department but has also emphasized the importance of following the rules and maintaining a partnership with the public. It should be noted that the lawsuits and payouts analyzed occurred before Mayor Adams took office.
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