Letter to Commissioner Kelly regarding alleged NYPD cover-up

Ray Kelly
Commissioner
New York Police Department
1 Police Plaza
New York, NY 10007

Dear Commissioner Kelly,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding alleged attempts to cover up incidents of domestic violence and driving while intoxicated involving off-duty NYPD officers reported on DNAinfo.com ("Heard on Tape: Cops Trying to Fix Domestic Violence and DWI Raps," April 26, 2011). The participation of any officers in the suppression of these reports would constitute a profound betrayal of the public trust and could rise to the level of a felony.

The offenses involved in these alleged cover-ups would also represent serious threats to the safety of New Yorkers, and demand a full accounting of the initial incidents and any attempts made by fellow officers to prevent accurate reporting. Beyond these specific cases, I am deeply troubled by the effect these reports may have on the willingness of domestic violence victims to seek justice and protection from law enforcement, and on the zero-tolerance environment we have worked so hard to achieve with regard to drunk driving.

I am confident that this investigation has been and will be conducted with the same degree of institutional integrity you have exhibited throughout your career. I urge you to maintain an open dialogue on this growing issue concern by providing, within reason, an accounting of your department’s actions in relation to the investigation into alleged cover-ups of domestic violence and drunk driving incidents involving off-duty officers.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Bill de Blasio
Public Advocate for the City of New York