Corruption in New York City – the gift that keeps giving

For anyone who has grown up in a big city, corruption seems to hover around the edges and unfortunately, the New York City police department (NYPD) is again in the news for its corrupt activities. The Guardian reports that even though Eric Adams’ anti-corruption case was dismissed, with implications favors being exchanged, his government involves even more corruption.  Four separate lawsuits were brought against the Mayor. “James Essig, the former chief of detectives and 40-year force veteran, claims that the former commissioner of the NYPD sold promotions to the tune of $15,000. Essig says he was forced to resign after objecting to the practice. Essig’s suit adds that senior NYPD leadership often selected “friends and cronies” of theirs and Adams’ in hiring. “

What needs to be done? This unfortunately is not the first time that corruption has occurred in the NYPD. To eradicate high levels of corruption in government requires true political will, and in this instance, it will be decided by the elections in the fall, when a new mayor will be chosen. From a distance, it looks like the internal systems did not seem to have been there to allow for whistle-blowing or independent investigation. Obviously, this is concerning, especially in a very well developed police department such as the NYPD.  There is a need for transparent and greater oversight, by both internal and external assessors and reviewers. This should include governmental authorities, independent CSOs and other citizen groups. The bottom line is these actions seem reflective of a system that may have been the normal actions of the corrupt practices of the present New York City mayor. Publicizing these activities remind all of us that diligent oversight is needed no matter who you are to root our corruption.

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/08/eric-adams-nypd-officers-lawsuit

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nypd-lawsuits-corruption-retaliation/