NYPD Cop Suspended For On Duty Politics

A NYPD cop suspended without pay for using his patrol car to broadcast political messages in favor of President Donald Trump this weekend.

The official Twitter account of NYPD stated Sunday “We are aware of this video and it is under investigation by our Brooklyn South Investigation Unit. Police officers must remain apolitical.”

The account went on to tweet: “Suspended without pay; The police officer who is under investigation for using a department vehicle’s loud speaker for political purposes has been suspended, effective immediately.”

Reason NYPD Cop Suspended?

The Patrol Guide for New York Police Department officers is explicit that on duty and in uniform officers may not express personal opinion on the merits of any political party or candidate for public office.

This may seem confusing given the use of city resources towards 9-11 remembrances with Vice President Pence earlier in the year. In the case above the officer is making a personal opinion known using his patrol vehicle as a campaign tool. In the case of Vice President Pence it is a city function assisting an elected official in a non campaign event.