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To the editor:
Disrespect aimed at police was foreshadowed by detainee disrespect toward correction officers and the lack of political support for the Department of Correction's uniformed force.
A decade ago, while police officers still had some semblance of respect, correction officers were being disrespected and assaulted by detainees partly because of the indifference and laissez-faire philosophy of NYC politicians.
In addition to the never-ending verbal abuse, detainees routinely hit correction officers with toilet water which DOC commissioners downplay calling it a “splashing” as if it was a fun water park activity for kids.
Further, detainees often throw apples and oranges at correction officers for entertainment.
This behavior was rare prior to 2014. Since then there are more than 1,000 incidents yearly. Detainees aren’t held accountable either criminally or administratively for throwing water or objects at officers which sends a clear message that the behavior is condoned.
Consequently, cops became similar targets.
Between the anti-police political rhetoric and the indifference regarding detainees assaulting correction officers, is it any surprise that in 2019 we saw on-duty uniformed police officers doused with buckets of water and drowned in disrespect?
Further, on Feb. 23, multiple NYPD cops who responded to calls of disorderly conduct in Washington Square Park were pelted with snowballs, resulting in two cops receiving hospital treatment.
The mayor downplayed the incident, simply calling it “a snowball fight” apparently suggesting no criminal behavior existed. Notwithstanding, an arrest was made on Feb. 26 and police are searching for three others involved.
The failure of the mayor and the City Council to condemn this assaultive behavior will only encourage more disrespect, harassment and assaults on police as it did to correction officers.
Credit to police commissioner Jessica Tisch who posted, "The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal."
The correction commissioner should follow suit.
Marc Bullaro
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Valete
It’s uncommon for newspapers to present law enforcement officers fairly and realistically in their letters.
Disrespect for police officers stems from the lack of accountability for detainees assaulting correction officers. The mayor’s downplaying of such incidents, such as the snowball attack on NYPD officers, further emboldens this unacceptable behavior.
Thank you for being honest about law enforcement officers, who risk their lives daily to protect New York City’s citizens. Thank you for being straightforward about the risks law enforcement officers face in protecting the citizens of New York City.
The mayor ’s actions speak for itself !
" I respect Mr. Bullaro for exposing the mayor’s bizarre stance on law enforcement and crediting Commissioner Jessica Tisch for telling it like it is!"
Thursday, March 5 Report this