The Legal Aid Society is condemning the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) new, watered-down disciplinary matrix that will further the Department’s already rampant culture of impunity.

The disciplinary matrix defines the penalties for specific acts of substantiated misconduct by officers and is intended to help hold officers accountable.

“This Administration, since day one, has systematically tried to erode any meaningful oversight of the NYPD and eschew accountability for officers who commit misconduct,” reads a statement from Legal Aid.

“From defunding the Civilian Complaint Review Board into a state of paralysis, to rejecting disciplinary recommendations from the NYPD watchdog, and now watering-down the matrix – which is only adhered to occasionally – this Administration continues to foster a toxic culture of impunity at precincts throughout the city to New Yorkers’ detriment,” the statement continues. “Only when there is a robust system of transparency and accountability will the public finally have trust in the Department, and today’s announcement steps away from this goal, one which should rank top of mind at City Hall.”

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