Cops, de Blasio, Protests and Training 223

NYP Over the Weekend: NYPD Training Light . . . Game Changer Not

Monday Update:  Hide and Seek Angry Man Training

Appellate Ruling Supports a Police Whistle-Blower in New York (NYT)* In response to his opponent’s planned lobbying trip to Albany today, NYPD PBA PresidentPat Lynch called Brian Fusco an “inexperienced amateur” whose aspirations to the union presidency will negatively impact members. * 2 NYPD police unions want to renegotiate after SBA deal *

• According to data compiled by the NYPD, major felony crime in New York City’s largest parks fell 11.1 percent last year, marking the first year since 2011 in which park crime dropped, the Journal reports * The NYPD is being taught a new takedown tactic for people resisting arrest to prevent another Eric Garner tragedy as part of a three-day training course that also emphasizes better communication with the public.

Officer Craig Matthews’s lawsuit alleging that superiors at a Bronx precinct retaliated against him for complaining about a quota system on arrests and stops may proceed, federal judges decided.

De Blasio has reached a deal with the Sergeants Benevolent Association, leaving just one NYPD union without a contract and finding “common ground” with a union whose leader had been one of the most strident critics of City Hall’s policing policies.* Police reform activists slammed a push by the NYC Council and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito to add 1,000 new cops to the NYPD. *Cops instructed to ‘close eyes’ during  * In a free-speech case that could bolster whistle-blowers, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of a New York City police officer who said his commanders retaliated against him after he complained to them about what he believed to be a quota system that resulted in unjustified stops and arrests.* Sergeants head and de Blasio make nice after new wage pact (NYP) * tense situations (NYP) Cops should “take a deep breath’’ — and close their eyes — when dealing with angry people, according to the NYPD’s new “retraining’’ program. The potentially dangerous advice is part of a $35 million “smart policing’’ primer by Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton that most of the cops who have gone through it say is completely useless.“That’s pretty funny — that I would close my eyes in a tense situation.” * NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton delivered a broad commentary on the country’s troubled history of race relations and the role of the police in fostering old divisions that still sow distrust in minority communities. “Many of the worst parts of black history would have been impossible without police,” he said.

Another cop called the lectures “smoke and mirrors” to appease the public. “They want you to stop and think about everything before you do anything, but a lot of times cops have to make a split-second decision, and they don’t have the luxury of stopping and thinking,” the cop said. De Blasio has promised that his retraining program “will have an impact on millions of people, because every interaction that every officer has with their fellow New Yorkers after they are trained again will be different.” 

NYPD using ‘Road House’ movie to teach cops how to ‘be nice’(NYP) Police bosses are using a scene from the 1989 action flick “Road House” as part of the mandatory, three-day retraining course for 22,000 cops, The Post has learned. “You have to have a thick skin,” an instructor told cops forced to take part in the $35 million program before hitting play on the two-minute clip from the cult classic, sources said. In the scene, Swayze — playing the tough guy bouncer, Dalton — teaches his goons at the rowdy bar Double Deuce how to handle unruly customers. First, he spells out three rules, with the third being simply “Be nice.” “If somebody gets in your face and calls you a c–ksucker, I want you to be nice. Ask him to walk. Be nice. If he won’t walk, walk him. But be nice. If you can’t walk him, one of the others will help you, and you’ll both be nice,” he says. “I want you to remember that it’s a job. It’s nothing personal.” The potentially dangerous advice is part of a $35 million ‘smart policing’ primer by Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton that most of the cops who have gone through it say is completely useless. One cop who sat through two full-day programs called them ‘not realistic’ and “pretty silly.’ At one point during the lectures, the cop said, those in attendance were given breathing exercises to learn how to calm down — even when facing someone who could pose a threat to their safety.” 

 In New York, Indictment of an Officer Divides Chinese-Americans (NYT)  The filing of manslaughter charges against Officer Peter Liang in the shooting death of an unarmed black man has pulled Chinese-Americans into a politically charged debate. The manslaughter charges against Peter Liang, the Chinese-American NYPD officer whose ricocheting bullet killed an unarmed black man, Akai Gurley, in a housing project stairwell in November, have divided the Chinese-American community in New York and beyond. Terrorism NYPD steps up patrols in response to new terrorist threats | New York's PIX11

Cops say training after Eric Garner‘s death is a ‘waste of time’ (NYP) About 80 percent of cops retrained after Eric Garner’s death called the three-day Police Academy program a “waste of time,” and many fell asleep in their seats, says a high-ranking NYPD official. A day after The Post revealed that a goofball department bigwig wanted to arm officers with breath mints as part of sweeping reforms, a disgusted member of the brass revealed that much more is wrong with the program. The veteran boss said that the $35 million “smart policing” primer is a flop, and that eight out of every 10 cops give it negative reviews when they finish the training. “Officers thought they were going to get some real hands-on, quality training on how to deal with a hostile prisoner or arrestee,” the source said. “They didn’t get that.” Instead, most of the training involved eight-hour lectures — with some cops dozing off, he said.“It’s three days, it’s boring and there’s no real tactics,” he said. “They’re not putting them in scenarios. Cops felt they would get more tactical training in light of the Eric Garner case.” 

On the first day, officers participate in “Blue Courage,” a cultural-sensitivity workshop created by a consulting group and used by other police departments. “Blue Courage is a way of being, a philosophy that inspires one to embody the noblest of character and unquestioned devotion,” the company’s Web site says. “It is to flourish in all aspects of life, to act with practical wisdom, to exude vitality and to hearten human connections.” The insider said: “It’s more of a self-reflection kind of course — reflecting on how they can improve as police officers.” On the second day, officers get lectures on “the legitimacy of policing — why police officers do what they do,” he said. In the final session, held in the gym, officers are taught the “high-low takedown,” in which two cops apprehend a suspect, one from behind at the legs, the other from the front at the torso. “There’s not enough tactical, hands-on training. This should be 100 percent hands-on training, not sitting in a classroom eating breath mints because it’s going to make you curse less.”

Deputy Commissioner Breath Mints Out   

NYPD’s idea of reform included breath mints and baby oil (NYP) Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered sweeping reforms for the NYPD after the Eric Garner death — but his demands were handled by a goofball police bigwig whose ideas included arming cops with breath mints and spraying protesters with baby oil, sources revealed Thursday. Michael Julian, who was appointed deputy commissioner of training in November, lasted just two months on the job before his ridiculed proposals got him transferred out, the sources said. “He would come up with these wacky ideas. We would roll our eyes and move on,” a police source said. The last straw came in late January — less than a week before Julian was reassigned — when a box of 10,000 individually wrapped breath mints arrived at headquarters. Julian explained to skeptical cops that officers should pop mints in their mouth when they feel the need to curse, police sources said.* Cop denied time off because of quotas (NYP)* Failed NYPD reform chief once sued the city over small desks(NYP) * Friends, Family Mark Three Months Since Akai Gurley Shooting Death (NY1)* Bratton: Retraining program a ‘work in progress’(NYP)

NYPD, Commissioner Bratton, Chokehold and Garner's Death

PBA vs de Blasio, 2Cops Killed , Protesters, Dolan

Blasting the Press,de Blasio, Sharpton Over Noerdlinger and Racial Divide

Cops vs de Blasio, Protests and Cops Shot Dead

Sharpton CCRB vsNYPD, Noerdlinger, McCray, de Blasio

Tickets and Arrests Up But Not Up To Last Years Levels 

Data Show New York Police Are Resuming Their Work(NYT) 

Arrests and tickets have yet to reach the same levels as in past years, but the rebound further indicates that a slowdown is over.

Tawana Brawley-Sharpton hoax portrayed in new novel(NYP) * Dozens join candlelight walk to remember Eric Garner on 6-month anniversary of his death (SI Advance)* Families of slain NYPD Officers Ramos and Liu attend benefit on Staten Island (SI Advance) * News Closeup: Staten Island DA Dan Donovan weighs in on Eric Garner grand jury(WPIX) * NYC College Students Ponder Post-Garner Activism(Village Voice) * NYPD Being Investigated by Brooklyn DA for Planting Guns onInnocent People  * The Dark Side of 'Broken Windows' Policing (NYT)* NYC politicians, protesters to be out in force on MLK Day(NYP)* Ex-CCRB official caught lying at murder trial of beau(NYP) *Schumer Rails AgainstAlleged Efforts to Suppress Minority Turnout (NYO) * Brooklyn streets renamed in honor of murdered cops(NYP)

Arrest Down Update 

Life in New York City, Where Arrests Are Down and Tickets Are Rarities(NYT)A drastic slowdown in policing minor offenses has not appeared to translate to a spike in crime so much as in a fading, for good or ill, of the blue line that keeps the city’s streets in order.Graphic: How Much Arrests and Tickets Have Declined(NYT) * Have You Noticed the Decline in Arrests and Tickets in New York City? We’re looking for stories of how the drop in police activity has affected the people and neighborhoods of New York City. If you’ve noticed the decline, please share your stories.* In New York City, where cops arrested or ticketed just 22people for jumping the turnstile in the metro last week, compared to nearly 1,400 a year ago, The Times compiled reports of police officers blatantly declining to make stops:

Caught

Suspected gunmanarrested in shooting of two NYPD cops who responded to Bronxrobbery(NYDN)

Fugitive Jason Polanco was captured Tuesday at Tremont and Westchester Ave. in the Bronx following a massive manhunt for the gunman who opened fire on NYPD Officers Andrew Dossi and Aliro Pellerano. Both cops were wounded and remain in the hospital.* Three people were taken into custody in connection withshootout where two NYPD officers were wounded in the Bronx. (WSJ)* NYPD received tipsleading to arrest of man suspected of shooting two cops who responded to Bronx robbery

The police received tips from 10 people after releasing a photo of Jason Polanco. Cops also busted his criminal colleague, Joshua Kemp. Polanco was charged with five counts of attempted murder of a police officer. Officers Andrew Dossi and Aliro Pellerano were wounded and remain in the hospital.

Two police officers were shot by an armed robber who fled the scene and is at large in the Bronx Monday night, sources said. The officers from the 46th precinct pulled over a car in the in the Tremont section of The Bronx at around 10:30 p.m. but the suspect sped away and crashed, according to law enforcement sources. The gunman then got out of the car and opened fire on the officers. One cop was struck one in the arm and another in the back.The suspect then fled on foot sparking a huge police manhunt. Both officers were both taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and are expected to survive.One suspect is in custody in regards to the shooting of two #NYPD police officers in the @NYPD46Pct tonight. NYPD officers shot were not targeted. They were investigating a robbery. One shot in back (was wearing vest) other grazed elbow.* Two New York City police officers were shot Monday night while responding to an apparent robbery in the Bronx, a day after the burial of an officer slain in the line of duty, The Wall StreetJournal reports:

de Blasio Blasts Cops After two weeks of cautious, sometimes halting remarks, Mayor Bill de Blasio blasted the language of police unions and those who turned their backs on him at two officers’ funerals, the Times reports: * 'DISRESPECTFUL': Angry de Blasio denounces NYPD cops who turned their backs to him during fallen officer's funeral(NYDN) * Manhunt launched for 2 armed thugs who opened fire on pair of NYPD cops responding to Bronx robbery; both wounded but alive — SEE THE VIDEO(NYDN) * THE NEWS SAYS: Real leadership wanted from police unions and de Blasio to ensure city doesn't slide backward on crime(NYDN)* WATCH: Police havereleased surveillance footage of 1 of 2 suspects who shot NYPD officers latelast night * Gunman who shot cops robbed grocery store minutes before(NYP) * Both NYPD anti-crime cops wounded last night were not happy to see @BilldeBlasio, one more than the other.(DNAINFO)

Sharpton to Restart Protests

With cops laid to rest, Sharpton plans to restart protests(NYP)The head of the Staten Island chapter of Sharpton’s National Action Network said anti-cop protesters would return to the borough’s state courthouse on Tuesday. “We were not going to protest before those officers were laid to rest properly, and unlike the police officers who decided to take protests to a funeral, we had much more respect than that,” Davis said. She said the courthouse protests would continue “until we feel like we have gotten justice” in the Garner case, in which a grand jury declined to indict cop Daniel Pantaleo.* Following the funerals of Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, the two slain officers, the ongoing movement to reform the practices of the NYPD is straining to regain momentum,the Observer writes:  * Should policeprotesters be blaming the City Council as much as the police? (Gotham Gazette)* Advocates using EricGarner case to attack criminal justice system itself (commentary) (SI Advance) * 'I'm really enjoying these Eggs Benedict so move along now': Ex-NYPD cop slams ‘black brunch’ with gun-toting selfie

Bratton tells cops it’s time to get back to work(NYP) Police Commissioner Bill Bratton finally admitted on Friday that his cops are in a slowdown — a job action first revealed by The Post. Bratton said he came to the conclusion after reviewing stats that show a dramatic reduction in “self-initiated” arrests and summonses, particularly for low-level, quality-of-life offenses. He called borough commanders together to address the concern and now says he fully expects everything will get back to normal by next week.

Commissioner Bratton admits NYPD slowdown, but declares it's over now(NYDN) * NYPD cops told no vacations until work slowdown ends(NYP) Throughout the city, precincts are being ordered to hand up to borough commanders “activity sheets” indicating the number of arrests and summonses per shift, sources told The Post. “Police officers around the city are now threatened with transfers, no vacation time and sick time unless they write summonses,” one union source said.* NYPD put on high alert after ISIS releases new video(NYP)* @CommissBratton torelease stats Monday confirming #NYPDslowdown  *Thousands of cops wearing obsolete bulletproof vests(NYP) Tens of thousands of city officers are sitting ducks thanks to outdated bulletproof vests that should have been replaced years ago, sources and experts tell The Post. While the MTA and Port Authority replace the vests of their officers every five years, most NYPD cops are wearing body armor with expired warranties, sources said 

A Fallen Kingdom and Their Media Allies Try to Revive A Broken Prince 

Grading Bill de Blasio’s First Year as New York City’s Mayor (NYT) Reporters for The Times covering politics, crime, education and the environment weighed in on Mr. de Blasio’s first-year performance.* What Grade Do You Give Mayor Bill de Blasio?(NYT)  How’s he doing? A year in, The Times asks readers to grade Mr. de Blasio’s performance. * THE PUBLIC EDITOR An Uneasy Mix of News and Opinion  The Times needs to do a better job of helping readers tell news articles from opinion pieces.* Blue Coup (CrainsNY) Can Bill de Blasio manage his way out of a cop crisis?* NYPD and the military: Our angels in a time of danger and cynicism(NYP) * New York Times Public Editor ​Needs Her Own (Public)Editor On ParisTerror Coverage​

Bill’s Cuomo problem(NYP Ed) Forget Pat Lynch, the outspoken head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association who has been such a thorn in Bill de Blasio’s side. The man the mayor really has to worry about is the one looming in his rear-view mirror, Gov. ­Andrew Cuomo. Early last year, the governor intervened to save New York’s charter schools and keep our progressive new mayor from using universal pre-K as an excuse to jack up taxes. The result was a humiliation for de Blasio. Our progressive mayor doesn’t seem to have learned his lesson. This year begins much the way last year did: with the threat of intervention from the governor on a key issue, in this case the NYPD. Ed Mullins, head of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, says he’s written off de Blasio — and will this week reach out to Cuomo. The governor hasn’t yet said yes. But in contrast to the mayor, he refused to condemn PBA chief Lynch. 

 Police union silent day after Bratton acknowledged NYPD slowdown (NYDN) * Pat Lynch,lawbreaker (NYDN) When cops don't respect labor laws, New Yorkers have a serious problem. For three weeks, the NYPD’s rank and file have dramatically reduced enforcement of major sections of law, from parking regulations to larceny statutes. Now, evidence documents that the unionized Finest have also been breaking the law — specifically the Taylor Law that bars strikes and job actions by municipal labor.

NYPD Feud and Frustration . . .  Who in Charge?  Nobody 

De Blasio and Police Both Blamed for a Feud That Few Like(NYT)  Interviews with New Yorkers about the current strife between Mayor Bill de Blasio and the city’s police officers found plenty of criticism to go around, and an overall sense of frustration. *  New York to Settle Suit on Policing in Public Housing(NYT)  Plaintiffs charged that residents and visitors in city projects had been stopped or arrested over mundane activities like talking in hallways. * Bill Clinton won’t be fixing rift between de Blasio and NYPD(NYP) Slowdown Costing City $10 Million A Week NYPD ‘slowdown’ costing the city $10M a week in revenue(NYP) According to budget watchdog estimates, the New York City is losing around $10 million per week on parking ticket revenue because of the NYPD work slowdown

City Hall Broken Leadership

Pat Lynch, the head of one of New York City’s powerful police unions, has told rank-and-file officers to Lynch go back to issuing tickets, summonses and making low-level arrests, but not too zealously, theDaily News writes:* De Blasio is leading this city into ruin by not having cops’ back(NYP) * To fix the NYPD: Getting beyond the slowdown(NYP) * Paying off police(NYO Ed) If Mayor de Blasio thinks he can solve his problem with the police with a pension sweetener, he’s wrong on two counts. First, pensions have nothing to do with the distrust cops have for the mayor — however much he tries to portray it as a labor dispute (and however much the police unions want the sweetener). Second, the taxpayers simply can’t afford it.

Who's in charge? (Amsterdam News)  * Expect Cuomo toseize on police rift: (Capital)

Puppet Council Which Hides From NYPD Crisis Offers Drone Bill Crap

Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, said he intends to reach out to the governor's office next week to seek help in the ongoing feud between the NYPD’s rank-and-file and City Hall, Capital New York reports * Cuomo has three weeks to decide the fate of a bill that would make the disciplinary process for police officers a matter to be worked out in labor negotiations, the TimesUnion reports * The New York CityCouncil is over its head on drone ban (NYDN)  Local lawmakers should let the FAA do its job

New York City’s policing issues, and the troubled relationship between blacks and cops, won’t go away simply because we stop paying attention or because police stop doing their jobs, Alvin Bessent writes in am New York:  * PBA Contract Takes Center Stage Amid Tensions(NY1)*  Longtime NYPD reporter @LenLevitt tells @BrianLehrer hi-ranking cops believe BdB contributed to toxic scene leading to officers murders.* Police and protesters must ‘see’ each other (Wash Post) * EXCLUSIVE: SecretMeeting and a Cops-Only Website Reveal NYPD Searching for Answers (NYO)  Police reps talk with civil rights leaders and deny a slowdown that's undeniable the Observer has learned that at least some elements of the rank-and-file are looking for a way forward. Sources tell the Observer that a team of NYPD sergeants, led by Sergeants Benevolent Association President Edward Mullins, held a lengthy meeting Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with Alveda King (the niece of the late civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), E.W. Jackson, Sr., and other national African-American leaders.* NYPD Union LeaderSays Bill de Blasio Won’t ‘Acknowledge’ Rift With Cops (NYO) * Giuliani to de Blasio:Put Cops Back in Mosques After Charlie Hebdo Massacre (NYO) * Rep. Pete King argued that two dangerous hostage situations in France show why surveillance of Muslim communities in New York is necessary.* Broken Windowsauthor on NYPD slowdown & his 1st subway ride since 90s: "I wasstunned by the difference."(NYDN) * * Republican Rep. Peter King of Long Island argued that the dangerous hostage situations in France shows why surveillance of Muslim communities in New York is necessary, the Observer reports: 

Flashback From January 6th NYT

Groundhog NYT Attacks, Blames Goes On A Tyrant Againts Cops . . . Again 

NYT's Enemy List: NYT Says Cops are Creating Social Disorder; NYT Says de Blasio Should Blame the Cops More; NYT Says Mayor Should Appeal to the Public That Cops are Extorting the City; NYT Says the Mayor Should Go to the Justice Dept.

No Justice, No Police (NYT Ed) Call this what it is: a reckless, coordinated escalation of a war between the police unions and Mayor Bill de Blasio Mayor Bill de Blasio has been in office barely a year, and already forces of entropy are roaming the streets, turning their backs on the law, defying civil authority and trying to unravel the social fabric. No, not squeegee-men or turnstile-jumpers.

We’re talking about the cops.Edward Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, said officers had talked among themselves and “it became contagious,” apparently like the flu. Call this what it is: a reckless, coordinated escalation of a war between the police unions and Mr. de Blasio and a hijacking of law-enforcement policy by those who do not set law-enforcement policy. This deplorable gesture is bound to increase tension in a city already rattled over the killing by the police of an unarmed man, Eric Garner, last summer, the executions of two officers in Brooklyn last month, and the shootings on Monday of two plainclothes officers in the Bronx. * NYPD DeployingCounterterrorism Patrols at Landmarks After Paris Massacre 

de Blasio Re-Appoints Judge Who Let Out Gang Member Who Threaten Cops

"De Blasio’s move even contradicted his own questioning of Johnson’s wisdom” NYP

De Blasio re-appoints ‘set ‘em free’ Brooklyn judge(NYP) Mayor de Blasio on Wednesday re-appointed the turn-‘em-loose judge who freed a gang member charged with threatening the NYPD with copy-cat killings following the slayings of two cops in Brooklyn, The Post has learned. Sources said Brooklyn Judge Laura Johnson scored another year on the bench from de Blasio, who questioned her wisdom after The Post revealed how she ignored a prosecution request to set $250,000 bail for Devon Coley last week.* De Blasio ReappointsJudge Who Set No Bail For Teen In Police Threat Case (CBS) Update Friday Man wanted in alleged cop threats parties the night away

Police Slow Down  

Arrests plummet following execution of two cops(NYP) NYPD traffic tickets and summonses for minor offenses have dropped off by a staggering 94 percent following the execution of two cops — as officers feel betrayed by the mayor and fear for their safety, The Post has learned. The dramatic drop comes as Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Mayor de Blasio plan to hold an emergency summit on Tuesday with the heads of the five police unions to try to close the widening rift between cops and the administration.Citations for traffic violations fell by 94 percent, from 10,069 to 587, during that time frame. Summonses for low-level offenses like public drinking and urination also plunged 94 percent — from 4,831 to 300. Even parking violations are way down, dropping by 92 percent, from 14,699 to 1,241.* No, Bill Bratton, The Post doesn’t hate de Blasio — we just love cops(Goodwin, NYP) * NYPD reportedly in"virtual work stoppage" over de Blasio rift:(NYM) * v.@TishJames: "Our city will not behealed by disrespecting its leadership during a somber occasion"  #NYPD (Capital) * NYPD Cops So Sad AtMayor De Blasio They Just Can’t Fight Crime Anymore (Wonkette)* NYPD traffic tickets and summonses for minor offenses have dropped off by a staggering 94 percent following the execution of two cops — as officers feel betrayed by the mayor and fear for their safety.

Another Banner Day for de Blasio

Friday Update

For New Yorkpolice commissioner, a delicate balancing act in a tense city(Wash Post)

ANOTHER banner bashing de Blasio takes to skies over Hudson River (NYDN) * Mayor gets another high-flying message in feud with NYPD(NYDN) * Bill de Blasioreappoints judge who was criticized for releasing man accused of threateningNYPD cops (NYDN) The mayor OK’d Judge Laura Johnson, who came under fire last week for releasing Devon Coley, 18, without bail because she didn’t consider him a flight risk. He never showed up to court on Monday for a different case, and now there’s a bench warrant for his arrest. Coley is accused of threatening cops in a Facebook message. A police union leader is questioning de Blasio’s integrity for bringing back Johnson. * It's either Broken Windows or a Broken City (City Journal)* The debate surrounding policing in NYC is highlighting something of a rift within the City Council’s Democrats—and between some members and the mayor.

Thursday Update 

Until de Blasio retracts his comments about how his son Dante is at risk of injury from an NYPD officer, the police force will not forgive him, the Manhattan Institute’s Heather Mac Donald writes in the Daily News

Will Cuomo Have to Step In to Cop de Blasio War

* With the crisis between de Blasio and NYPD officers growing, there could be a scenario in which Cuomo has to step in and assert his authority, Seth Lipsky writes in the Post

Judge Up for Reappointment By de Blasio Free Two Suspects That Attacked Cops 

Judge Guilty of Bad Timing. A Mayor Looking to Repair His Relationship With Cops Will Have A Hard Time Reappointing Judge Johnson Next Week 
Update De Blasio must decide by New Year’s Eve whether to appoint ‘anti-cop’ judge(NYP) de Blasio has just six days to decide whether to keep a Brooklyn judge who let two men charged with anti-cop crimes walk free without bail

Judge frees cop ‘puncher’ a day after springing death threat thug(NYP) Criminal Court Judge Laura Johnson blatantly disregarded an Office of Court Administration boss who said she “should be setting an example to the public that threatening or assaulting police officers isn’t an acceptable thing,” a courthouse source said.  Johnson, a former high-ranking Legal Aid lawyer, was appointed to the bench by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Her term expires next Wednesday, and Mayor de Blasio is “considering” her reappointment, a City Hall official said.* NYPD Arrests 4 After Threats to Officers(WSJ) Since the shooting deaths of two police officers Saturday afternoon, the NYPD has launched 40 investigations into possible threats

Dinkins 25 Years Ago Very Different City  

NYDN 1/2/90: "DAY 1 Dave vows to punish criminals, help kids" Subhead:"Inauguration, 10 murders, open '90s in city"

Bill Clinton Will Not Get Into New York's Hot Mess No Matter How Much Flack Ken Sunshine Pushes Him

Update Clinton Staying Out

Bill Clinton staying out of NYPD, de Blasio feud — for now(MUDN)

NYPD: Rift with de Blasio so bad only Bill Clinton can fix it(NYP) NYPD union leaders think the rift between the rank and file and Mayor de Blasio is so bad it can only be healed by one man — ex-President Bill Clinton — and police brass are receptive to the idea, sources told The Post. The startling proposal, made during a meeting between Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and the NYPD’s five union chiefs on Wednesday, came as a shot cop got a hero’s send-off upon being released from the hospital. The Clinton solution was floated by detectives-union head Michael Palladino. Another Failed Meeting A second attempt to repair the rift between City Hall and the NYPD ended Wednesday in failure and with a police union leader criticizing de Blasio—again, the Daily Newswrites: * DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Officer Aliro Pellerano leaves Bronx hospital to applause after being shot during armed robbery(NYDN)*  NYPD union leaders reportedly want a meeting with BillClinton. Sounds familiar. (Vanity Fair) Bratton Says NYPD Officers Have Embarrassed Themselves  * De Blasio softened his stance against astate bill to increase pensions for new cops, while Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley cited support from 35 Council members for a resolution in favor of the measure, Crain’s reports: * Gawker maintains that the mayor’s security detail and their NYPD colleagues are behind the rumors that de Blasio and his wife use marijuana with some regularity * NYPD sergeants led by union leader Edward Mullins met Tuesday in Washington with African American leaders on national police-community relations and sought support from elected officials from around the country, the Observer reports: * New York City’s arraignment courts have gone idle in the third week of a precipitous drop in arrests, with the usual chaotic bustle giving way to unusual scenes of tranquil inactivity, The New York Times reports:   * The NYPD's arrest and summons activity was already decreasing before the recent, more dramatic slowdown following the Dec. 20 murder of two officers in Brooklyn, Capital New York reports: “I’ve written the mayor off”—Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, to @RitaCosby. #NYPD

Threats Continue Against NYPD, Protest Planned On the Day of the Funeral and Burial of Officer Ramos

Vile rant of ‘cop-killer wannabe': They should have killed two whites(NYP) * Eric Garner’s daughter posts address of cop present at his death(NYP) A daughter of Eric Garner, the Staten Island man who died after a police officer placed him in a chokehold this summer, on Christmas Day tweeted a link to a webpage with the address of one of the other officers present during the arrest and some of his family members, before deleting it * Slain cop’s families face Christmas without them(NYP) * City releases cop-killer’s body(NYP) * Officers’ murders an echo of the past for my ex-cop grandfather(NYP) Post police reporter Natasha Velez is the granddaughter of a former cop, Miguel Velez, who was once shot after identifying himself as a policeman.* Noerdlinger joins Sharpton in first appearance since scandal(NYP) * It’s the lawlessness(NYP Ed) New York City’s problem is not that we have people protesting. The problem is the nature of the protests.* Brooklyn man who threatened cops on Facebook: 'I wasdrunk and apologize' (NYDN)  Jose Maldonado, 26, turned himself in We

de Blasio "I Will Not Apologize" Does He Understand He Has Bigger Problem

Mayor Bill de Blasio said this afternoon he would not apologize to police union leaders and rank and file cops, despite calls from some top officials for the Democratic mayor to be contrite in the wake of a glaring rift between the NYPD and City Hall, the New York Observer reports: * * Mayor Won’t Apologize to Police

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday rebuffed union leaders and others who say an apology would help mend the rift. (WSJ) * The mayor emerged from hiding Monday to use the release of 2014 crime stats to heap more abuse on cops, saying a decline of 4.6 percent in major felonies meant he was right to demand both a “safe city” and a “fairer city.” He also blasted officers for turning their backs on him at Sunday’s funeral for Officer Wenjian Liu, calling them “disrespectful” and saying “it defies a lot of what we all feel is the right and decent thing to do.” Hours later, he was at a Bronx hospital visiting two undercover cops wounded in a late-night shootout with armed robbers. * "Neither themayor nor the labor chiefs have shown the capacity to rise above that marks thetrue leader."  * Police union leader to de Blasio: ‘Humble yourself’(Capital)* Zimring: NYPD slowdown revealing about power, not enforcement (Capital)

NYT Talking Points Journalism?

NYT's Blind Rage of Cop Hate

Charmian Neary ‏@CharmianNeary  4m4 minutes ago

.@RobotSkeleton69 @nytimes You're so blind with hate you call the NYPD "alpha male frat rats" under a picture of two women? #stereotype

Jan 1 Day 3 NYT Slams Cops 

Backs Turned on the Mayor: Did the N.Y.P.D. Squander Its Credibility?(NYT) Readers with a family history in the New York Police Department said they were dismayed by the officers’ behavior. Did New York police officers behave disgracefully when they turned their backs on Mayor Bill de Blasio at recent events? The Times editorial board certainly thinks so. “With these acts of passive-aggressive contempt and self-pity, many New York police officers, led by their union, are squandering the department’s credibility, defacing its reputation, shredding its hard-earned respect,” the editorial board wrote in “Police Respect Squandered in Attacks on de Blasio.”

After Progressive Ideology, Sharpton and 2 Dead Cops the Mayor Looks to Religion  

At New York Midnight Mass, a Call for Renewed Faith(NYT)  Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan delivered the homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Wednesday night, pointing to the tensions that have beset the city recently.* At Home and at Work, Black Police Officers Are on Defensive(NYT) Life for black officers, many say, has long been a delicate balancing act between fellow blacks and their police station houses.* Threats to New York Police Stream In After Fatal Shootings, Putting Department on Edge (NYT) Officials have investigated more than 40 threats of violence against officers since two of their colleagues were shot and killed on Saturday.* Son of slain cop asked Cardinal Dolan to ‘pray with us’(NYP)

We need light':Timothy Cardinal Dolan addresses city's divisions at midnight Mass (NYDN)  Mayor de Blasio, Gov. Cuomo hold silent vigil at St. Patrick's Cathedral as Timothy Cardinal Dolan offers a personal plea to 'face tensions and divisions in our beloved city.' * 'THEY ARE HATEFUL WORDS': Bill de Blasio slams anti-cop protesters who continue to march after his call for a moratorium on demonstrations(NYDN) * Bill de Blasio sounds ready to end a tough 2014 in a holiday email (NYDN) *ANOTHER HERPES CIRCUMCISION: Fourth baby boy contracts disease from Orthodox Jewish ritual Mayor de Blasio vowed to regulate on ‘Day 1’(NYDN)* Quinnipiac Poll: Governor Leads Mayor in Influence, Favorability(NY1)* Joe Lhota seriously unimpressed with de Blasio's Connecticut Christmas act (NYDN) * Officers Wenjian Liu, Rafael Ramos Remembered On Christmas Day (WABC)  * At a Christmas dinner at the National Action Network headquarters in Harlem, the Rev. Al Sharpton said he has been talking with Cardinal Dolan about doing something big to bring the city together, but didn’t elaborate, Newsdayreports:

NYT Says de Blasio Is Not To Blame . . .  Truman "Buck Stops With Me"

The madness has to stop. The problem is not that a two-week suspension of “broken windows” policing is going to unleash chaos in the city. The problem is that cops who refuse to do their jobs and revel in showing contempt to their civilian leaders are damaging the social order all by themselves.Mr. de Blasio, who has been cautious since the shootings, found his voice on Monday, saying for the first time that the police officers’ protests of turning their backs at the slain officers’ funerals had been disrespectful to the families of the dead. 

"If the Police Department’s current commanders cannot get the cops to do their jobs, Mr. de Blasio should consider replacing them." NYT

He was right, but he needs to do more.He should appeal directly to the public and say plainly that the police are trying to extort him and the city he leads. He should invite the Justice Department to determine if the police are guilty of civil rights violations in withdrawing policing from minority communities. He should remind the police that they are public employees, under oath to uphold city and state laws. Mr. Bratton’s faith in “broken windows” needs rethinking. But nothing will be fixed as long as police officers are refusing to do their jobs. A video emerged this week of a New York cop, apparently with nothing better to do, horsing around on the hood of a squad car, falling off and hitting his head. It would hard to invent a more fitting image of the ridiculous — and dangerous — place this atmosphere of sullen insubordination has taken us.* TIPSTERS HELPED COPS NAB SHOOTER: Info from 10 people helped NYPD arrest man suspected of firing on two officers(NYT)* Shot Down During theNYPD Slowdown (Daily Beast) * Newest NYPD Class Sworn-in Amid Growing Tensions(NY1)

 “We don’t believe there’s a willingness on the part of City Hall to solve these problems,” said PBA President Patrick Lynch

It is odd to portray de Blasio as a victim of NYPD officers who unfairly decided that he thought they were prone to mistreating black citizens and were in need of fundamental reform—when anyone following his statements would have come away with precisely that perception, writes DorothyRabinowitz in The Journal: * Bill de Blasio is showing his disrespect (NYP) That would describe Mayor de Blasio, who in the span of a few hours went from defiant to deflated. He started out crowing and ended up eating crow. 

Daily News Hopes de Blasio Will Change 

Daily News tells de Blasio to stop campaigning and become an adult? 

Editorial: New York can only hope de Blasio will emerge from humiliating adversity

Toward a fittinglegacy for assassinated Police Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu (NYDN Ed)  Mayor de Blasio, Police Commissioner Bratton, Gov. Cuomo and Vice-President Biden pay tribute to the NYPD at a fallen hero's funeral. Too often, while campaigning and governing, he has delivered messages that the NYPD has been on the wrong side of social justice. As a result, a year into his term, with the city about to celebrate its lowest annual crime tallies ever, de Blasio is a mayor who could not comfortably mark the accomplishment at a stationhouse roll call. New York can only hope that the mayor will emerge from humiliating adversity with some of the wisdom expressed at Ramos’ funeral by Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.* In the Post, theManhattan Institute’s Nicole Gelinas describes de Blasio’s achievements and failures in 2014, saying the mayor must use 2015 as a fresh start so not to cement his place in history as a bad mayor: 

True News Wags NYT On Cops Wives Fear After Paper Blasts Cops Repeated Editorials 

Yesterday True News asked the New York Times if there were any wives of cop working for their editorial board, after the paper published another stinging editorial blasting the cops and going overboard in supporting the mayor in the NYPD dispute.  For the past few days True News has been pressuring NY1 to put a cops wife on their Inside City Hall Show.  Their shows host Errol Louis even retweeted True News' tweet. Errol Louis retweeted you  Jan 6:  @errollouis "It is good to have widows and family of NYers shot by cops, Also good to have cop widows and wives on NY1"  In its Thursday edition the NYT publish an Op-Ed from a former police officer describing the fear his wife went through every time he when out on patrol. 

Steve Osborne was a New York City police officer for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant. He is the author of the forthcoming book “The Job: True Tales From the Life of a New York City Cop.”

Why We’re So Mad at de Blasio (NYT)  The N.Y.P.D. Protests: An Officer's View  By 9 a.m. we would be back in our office processing our arrests, and I would call my wife without fail, in case she had overslept, and to let her know that I was O.K. and still in one piece. Years later, during a tearful venting, my wife confided that those calls were seldom needed to wake her because she was usually lying in bed, tossing and turning and fearing that she would get another kind of call. She couldn’t rest until she had word that I was off the streets and safe for another day. I accepted the dangers of police work because I loved doing it and understood its value to society, but I sometimes regret having dragged her into the life with me. 

The murders of Officer Liu and his partner, Officer Rafael Ramos, have hit me and my fellow officers especially hard, in ways that may be difficult for civilians, and certain politicians, to fully comprehend. During my 20 years on the job (I retired in 2003), I attended far too many funerals for cops killed in the line of duty. They were all sad and wrenching affairs. But this is different. Getting killed while, say, investigating an armed robbery — as almost happened on Monday to two New York City police officers in the Bronx — is something all cops know can occur, and we accept it. But the killing of Officers Liu and Ramos was a coldblooded assassination.  New York City must be governed and its citizens protected, and that means that the Police Department and the mayor will have to find a way to get along. The divide between us is now vast and bitter. For the healing to begin, Mr. de Blasio must find a way to sound like he actually means it when he compliments us and to follow that up with concrete actions that demonstrate respect and true understanding. Until then he’ll continue to be speaking to a lot of backs in blue.

Now the Wives of Cops Fear Not Only de Blasio But the Real Danger of France Style Terrorism in New York City 

NYPD on alert following Paris terrorist attack(NYP) * Cartoons and freedom(NYP Ed) * Police connecting dots (NYP Ed) If you want to know why post-9/11 New York hasn’t suffered the kind of attack that stunned Paris on Wednesday, you can thank the NYPD’s work on counterterrorism. So says Commissioner Bill Bratton.* Third police officer gunned down south of Paris as manhunt for two suspects in the #CharlieHebdo attack continues: * ‘I want to kill cops': Man who ‘tried to run over’ officers(NYP)* #NYPD on alert after lug nuts loosened on department vehicles: 'Things have gotten sobad' - * Bratton Rejects Ideaof Clinton, Cuomo Mediating de Blasio-Cop Dispute(NYO) * NYPD must rewrite rules on stop-and-frisks in housing projects (NYP)

The NYPD will now have to also rewrite the book on how it stops and frisks criminal trespassing suspects in public housing projects, under a preliminary settlement to a federal class-action lawsuit reached this week. * Bill Clinton staying out of NYPD, de Blasio feud — for now(NYDN) * Bratton's Back? Bratton 'Dangerously' Close toGetting NYPD Backs Turned on Him: Sources (DNAINFO)

'You're my favorite victim': NYPD officer gets sleazy in Seattle, going on booze binge that led to kissing, groping session while investigating rape case — EXCLUSIVE (NYDN)* Editorial: De Blasio right with chokehold bill veto pledge(NYDN Ed) * Cuomo meets with PBAPresident Patrick Lynch, Detectives' Endowment Association leader MichaelPalladino: sources (NYDN) No word on whether NYPD's conflict with Mayor de Blasio was mentioned, but Cuomo's camp says 'range of issues' was discussed

Mark-Viverito praises accomplice in 1954 Congress shooting(NYP)  City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito lavished praise Wednesday on a Puerto Rican nationalist who spent 11 years in prison for a 1954 shooting in Congress that left five US legislators wounded. The death of 107-year-old Isabel Rosado, a member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party and supporter of the island’s independence movement, prompted a stream of condolences on Twitter — including from Mark-Viverito. “Our icon and national patriot,” the council speaker tweeted. * Mayor, Council Speaker Support Measure to Fund New Bulletproof Vests for NYPD Officers(NY1)* * De Blasio’s efforts to end a rift with the police could be complicated by his liberal allies on the City Council, whose proposed legislation to revise certain law-enforcement tactics are opposed by police unions, The Wall Street Journal reports: *Ritchie Torres: Affirm the right to say no to a search(NYDN) * City Council Testsde Blasio (WSJ) Proposed Laws Place Mayor Awkwardly Between the Police and His Liberal Allies* New York City Councilman Rory Lancman hopes to amend a bill that would make the chokehold maneuver illegal for cops, in hopes that it will be more palatable to de Blasio, who has vowed to veto it in its current form, the Observer reports

The Flacks Are Working Overtime Pushing Others to Defend the Mayor

An embattled mayor: De Blasio’s good year, bad ratings(NYP Ed) * NYC’s cops: Key to our prosperity (NYP) * NYPD Commish Bratton: Rift Between De Blasio, Police 'WillGo On for a While' MTP (VIDEO)* CNN Reporter Confronts NYPD Union Head About Cops TurningBacks to de Blasio * De Blasio Speaks at Ramos Memorial; Cops Turn Their Backsto Him * New Yorkpolice chief calls anger surrounding policing "tip of the iceberg" (Wash Post) * Memorial pushes cops/de Blasio tensions to the boiling point (CNN) * Giuliani: Obama’s ‘Close Adviser’ Sharpton a ‘Poster Boy forHating Police * Bratton Calls Police Officers’ Protest of de Blasio ‘Inappropriate’(NYT) * Ferguson PoliceDepartment Spokesman Placed on Unpaid Leave After Calling Mike Brown Memorial'a Pile of Trash' (NYM) * A Leader’s Unsought Role of Peacemaker(NYT) William J. Bratton, the New York City police commissioner, has been thrust into the role of a peacemaker as he tries to help repair a relationship between officers and Mayor Bill de Blasio.* Bratton: ‘Very inappropriate’ for cops to turn backs on de Blasio(NYP) * Bill Bratton: Police turning their backs on de Blasio was‘very inappropriate’ (NYDN) The NYPD Commissioner said on ‘Face the Nation’ that the stunning show of disrespect for City Hall during the funeral for Officer Rafael Ramos was in poor taste. In a separate appearance on ‘Meet the Press,’ Bratton added that the rift between cops and Mayor de Blasio will likely ‘go on for a while.’* Man accused of threatening cop was her personal trainer(NYP) * In the wake of the recent murders of two New York City police officers, the state Senate is planning a series of public hearings in the new year focusing on the issue of police safety, the Daily News reports: * Mayor to speak atNYPD graduation amid tensions: Mayor Bill de Blasio will be sending a keenly watched message... * The police force and its leaders may not always love the mayor, but the mayor must always acknowledge, honor and support our police force, John Dyson, former New York City deputy mayor for economic development under Mayor Giuliani, writes in the Post * NY Senate GOP tohold hearings on police safety issues(NYDN) *Cops & pols, fathers & sons(NYDN)  As political leaders bicker, ordinary New Yorkers come together * Bill de Blasio’sMayor’s Fund Raises $120K for Two Murdered NYPD Officers (NYO) * New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton calls angersurrounding policing the ‘tip of the iceberg’. (Wash Post) * Chipotle chiefsapologize to NYPD for worker’s ‘hands up, don’t shoot’ gesture (NYDN) ‘We work very hard to ensure that every customer in our restaurants feels welcome and is treated with respect,’ co-CEOs Steve Ells and Monty Moran said of the incident involving nine officers. ‘Clearly, the actions of this crew member undermined that effort.’ Ironically, this is the same Chipotle branch that once got into trouble after it was reported that workers were giving cops a 50% discount.

Mayor Tangled Up In Special Interests

Norman Oder ‏@AYReport 

.@BilldeBlasio "isuneasily tangled up in special interests," says @nicolegelinas I'd add #AtlanticYards @nypost

De Blasio scolds 'world's greatest police department' for being 'disrespectful' 

De Blasio scolds'world's greatest police department' for being 'disrespectful' (Guardian) * NYC Commissioner Bill Bratton issued a stinging rebuke of officers who turned their backs when de Blasio delivered a eulogy for murdered Officer Wenjian Liu.* De Blasio called the back turning, which also occurred last weekend at Officer Rafael Ramos’ funeral, ”disrespectful” to the victims’ families and to the city.* Arrests down 56% as NYPD’s virtual work stoppage continues(NYP)  *De Blasio Calls CopsWho Turned Their Backs ‘Disrespectful’ (NY Mag)

@BilldeBlasio strategy: use positive crime stats to deflect attention from fractious relationship w/ NYPD, unions * de Blasio: 2014 was a year of even greater achievement...extraordinary achievement for this department. * NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio says 2014 was a record setting year in crime reduction. * NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio says 2014 was a record setting year in crime reduction. @SalAlbaneseNYC  Let's see if DEB brings up shootings that are up 7% city wide & 15% in public housing  ‏@MichaelHwrdSaul   This news conference is nearly a duplicate of one Mayor de Blasio held a few weeks ago. * @BilldeBlasio touting drop in crime stats. But clear subtext is signaling that City Hall supports police, recognizes their hard work. @BilldeBlasio says he has "no fear of contradiction" when he calls #NYPD "world's greatest police department."

.@BilldeBlasio touts smartphone, tablets for cops. No mention of body cameras, other accountability measures..@BilldeBlasio touts smartphone, tablets for cops. No mention of body cameras, other accountability measures. * BdB asks city to ignore "loudest and most disrespectful voices" in NYPD debate. many rank/file criticize him for perceived disrespect. Without specifically criticizing police union leaders by name, Mayor Bill de Blasio indirectly slams them, saying they foster discord.  in 1990, in city of 7.4 million, 1 in 15 chance of being victim of 7 major crimes. Now in city of 8.4 million, 1 in 84 * "Shooting incidents is the area of concern as we move forward," NYPD dep commish Dermot Shea says.NYC Public Advocate Tish James said the mayor should tackle cops’ long-expired contract to deal with the rift between him and the NYPD.

Most other areas down * Paging DeLillo: "This has been a phenomenal murder year in New York City," says NYPD bureaucrat. Police Commissioner William Bratton says he is closely watching dramatic decline in NYPD enforcement activity during last two weeks.* .@BilldeBlasio defending #BrokenWindows and proactive policing. #nypd cc @rupertmurdoch
* Bratton suggests demonstrations and funerals may have been partly responsible for enforcement activity decline. * Commissioner Bratton says he is reluctant to call decline in police enforcement a slow down, a term suggesting it's deliberate.* "We will deal with it very forecefully" if NYPD concludes cops are engaged in job action, says @CommissBratton .@BilldeBlasio: We didn't go into the room expecting instant resolution. Backdrop is the absence of a contract over many years. Bratton says drop in summons may be saving city money, since the city isn’t paying cops overtime to go to court, etc. #nypd  * Sal Albanese ‏ @SalAlbanese NYC    Bratton talking abt morale says one of reasons it's down is that cops are worried abt being sued DEB supported bill that caused it * "The selfishness of that action...A funeral is not the place for it." -@CommissBratton * Bratton re NYPD back turners: "What was the need in the middle of that ceremony to engage in a political action? .. I'm very disappointed" Bill Bratton talks about the "selfishness" of the back turning. * Letitia James: To tackle rift with NYPD, move on cops'contract (NYDN)* Mayor de Blasio says not only stop and frisks down, the "quality" better. They are leading to more than double the # of arrests.NYPD Slow Down For a second week, NYPD officers sharply cut back on their activity in the streets, arresting less than half as many people and writing 90 percent fewer summonses than in the same period a year ago, The New York Times reports: * Tickets drop by 92% last week in apparent NYPD slowdown.(NYDN)* After two weeks of cautious, sometimes halting remarks and notably few public appearances, de Blasio re-emerged in a feistier, more disciplined form, eager to show he would not be cowed by a rift with the Police Department that has become the gravest challenge of his administration. * Staten Island DA Dan Donovan’s office is expected to square off with organizations seeking the records from the Eric Garner grand jury in court on Jan. 29 – a date set by state Supreme Court Justice William Garnett.

Bratton Calls NYT's Anti-Cop Editorial Crazy As He Continues His Dance At Two Weddings

Bratton on the media and the NYPD’s feud with de Blasio(Capital) In a television interview this evening, police commissioner Bill Bratton dismissed as “crazy” a recent New York Times editorial that suggested Mayor Bill de Blasio "appeal directly to the public" and tell the police unions that have been criticizing him that they are trying to “extort” him and the city. “That editorial is crazy. Are you going to go to war with the cops? What they’re advocating is basically go to war with the cops. What’s that going to solve?” Bratton said in a wide-ranging interview on Charlie Rose's show. "The last thing you need is to instigate a widening of the gap. I'm trying to close the gap. So, that type of language is very inappropriate in this discussion. That type of language on the part of the New York Times, and similar language on the part of the [New York] Post, is not helpful. Not helpful at all."* Bratton Says BrokenWindows Critics ‘Don’t Know What the Hell They’re Talking About’ (NYO) * Crime kept falling as police slowed down enforcement of low-level offenses in New York City this month, but NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton disputed claims that his broken windows strategy is unnecessary, the Observer reports * Watch the fullinterview of NYPD @CommissBratton with @charlierose. * NYPD commish visits precincts of slain Brooklyn cops Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos(NYDN)

More On Commissioner Bratton

Die-Ins Dead At Grand Central 

MTA putting an end to die-ins at Grand Central Terminal(NYP)

The MTA will stop allowing ­anti-cop demonstrators to stage “die-ins” at Grand Central Terminal after two protesters got physical with officers Tuesday* MTA cops make first arrests related to Eric Garner protests(NYDN)

55% Spike In Homicides Final Week of 2014  

Homicide numbers jumped in final weeks of 2014(NYP)Last year really went out with a bang, according to police statistics obtained by The Post on Monday. The NYPD data showed a 55 percent spike in homicides during the final weeks of 2014, which were marked by turmoil including anti-cop protests in the wake of the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases that boiled over with the assassination of two officers on patrol. A total of 31 people were slain between Dec. 8 and Sunday, compared with 20 people killed during the same time period a year earlier. In addition, the city tallied 102 shooting victims during the 28-day period, up 13 percent from the 90 people who shot in the previous year’s period. The alarming numbers came despite an overall drop in homicides for 2014 to a record low of 332. They also weren’t mentioned by Mayor de Blasio or Police Commissioner Bill Bratton during a lengthy news conference touting the annual figures racked up by the NYPD.* On today's cover:NYPD Commissioner William Bratton warns officers against work slowdown (AMNY) * de Blasio re-emergedon Mon. in a feistier, more disciplined form, eager to show he wouldn't becowed by rift w/NYPD (NYT) * Keep Bill in charge(NYP Ed) Mayor de Blasio took credit Monday for a welcome drop in crime over his first year. He deserves it — just as he’ll deserve blame should crime later spike. As the man in charge, he owns the crime figures. Being in charge also means having the authority to discipline cops when necessary. De Blasio wants that authority, so he’s rightly opposing a bill now before Gov. Cuomo that would make discipline procedures part of the collective bargaining process. By vetoing the bill, Gov. Cuomo would uphold de Blasio’s authority. And his accountability.* SHIRKING THEIR DUTIES? Arrests down 56%, tickets drop by 92% last week in apparent NYPD slowdown(NYDN) * Bill Bratton must step in and stop the feud between NYPD, de Blasio: expert(NYDN)* Cop Union Points Finger at Protesters forAlleged ‘Slowdown’(NYO)PBA President Pat Lynch denied reports of an illegal and deliberate work slowdown, claiming the steep decline in arrests and summonses in the past weeks is the result of officers having to escort anti-police demonstrators around the city.

Sal Albanese ‏@SalAlbaneseNYC  

If you're a cop in NYC today u would have to be nuts to stop anyone & question them. Why would u risk being sued, job or pension

Again So much for Bratton's directive

Hundreds of #NYPD officers turn backs to @BilldeBlasio as he eulogizes #WenjianLiu @PIX11News

Act of NYPD defiance is not just a rebuke to @BilldeBlasio - but also to @CommissBratton, who asked officers not to turn their backs. * To be sure, plenty of officers have not turned their backs, particularly those closer to funeral home. But thousands have.* Mayor quotes Confucius re: Det. Liu's devotion to parents: "Devotion is the root of a man'a character." @PIX11News NOW * Like with Ramos eulogy last week, @BilldeBlasio largely focused on biography of Officer Liu. * De Blasio: "Let us rededicate ourselves to those great NY traditions of mutual understanding and living in harmony."

 New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio at Officer Liu's funeral: "Let us work together to attain peace." #WenjianLiu's widow thanks her "extended family, my family in blue." "On behalf of the Liu family, God bless America. God bless the NYPD. You're the best." * Liu's father speaks through interpreter: "He called me every day before he finished work to ensure me that he is safe." * Wife of #WenjianLiu tearfully says: "To me, he is my soul mate" and called him her "best friend." #NYPD * Cops turn backs on Mayor Bill de Blasio as he eulogizes slain Officer Wenjian Liu * #NYPD Cops Again Turn Backs on deBlasio at 2nd Slain Officer's Funeral http://abcn.ws/1Kc5XAV  * NYPD Cops Again Turn Backs on Mayor at Second SlainOfficer's Funeral(WABC)

Cop's wife atfuneral: The wonderful man that he is, that many of you know as 'Joe' at work,to me, he is my soulmate(Newsday) * WATCH: TouchingEulogy By Pei Xia Chen, Wife Of NYPD Officer #WenjianLiu -* Bratton's remarks at the funeral of Detective First Grade WenjianLiu.  *  #BlackBrunchNYC ‘Interrupts White Supremacy,’ Annoys BrunchPatrons, Conservatives * Many Continue To Pay Respects To Fallen NYPD Officers At Brooklyn Memorial(CBS) * Cops turn their backs on de Blasio at second NYPD officer'sfuneral: (NY Mag) * For Mario Cuomo, Defeat in 1977 Mayor’s Race Cast a LongShadow(NYT) The true NYPD (NYDN Ed) The heart of the Finest beats with the spirit of slain officer Wenjian Liu* Cops ignore Bratton, turn backs on de Blasio at officer’s funeral(NYP)

Curtis Sliwa ‏@CurtisSliwa  

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand attended Sharpton's march but did not attend either of the NYPD's officers funeral. 

Governor Cuomo

.@NYGovCuomo "The threats against New York's police are an insult to law-abiding citizens and they will not be tolerated." Says he was "amazed" at the restraint of police among protesters. Praises them, says threats will be investigated, not tolerated @NYGovCuomo  * Cuomo: "An attack on nypd is attack on all of us...no group is above the law...threats against by police will not be tolerated." Cuomo: "the NYPD protected the right of freedom of speech even though they themselves" were target of false accusations * .@NYCGovCuomo: "We want every NYPD officer to know they are not alone." 

Gov. Cuomo: The knife of division breaks on the rock of unity. Nothing will defeat or divide our NY family @PIX11News * "Nothing will ever defeat or divide our New York family. 9/11 couldn't do it," NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo says.* @NYCGovCuomo: "We respect the rule of law and weprotect each other, because at the end of the day, we are one." (Video) * .@NYCGovCuomo: Yes we have questions, we will study and reflect, and we will resolve the difference between us.

As he told @BrianLehrer, Cuomo pledges to study justice issues. Of New Yorkers: "You hand us adversity and we turn it into opportunity."* Cuomo: The threats against New York's police are an insult to law-abiding citizens and they will not be tolerated.* Cuomo: "An attack on nypd is attack on all of us...no group is above the law...threats against by police will not be tolerated." *Gov. Andrew Cuomo: "The threats against New York, the threats against New York police are an insult to law abiding New Yorkers."

Joe Biden, Bill de Blasio Deliver Eulogies For Slain NYPDOfficer: Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday eulogized… * ‘ALL OF THIS CITY IS GRIEVING’: Mayor de Blasio reaches out to NYPD during eulogy for Officer Rafael Ramos, but some of the tens of thousands of cops again turn their backs at Queens funeral(NYDN) * Cuomo Defends NYPDfrom 'False and Abusive' Attacks at Ramos Memorial  (VIDEO) * MARTYR MOURNED: Thousands attend Officer Rafael Ramos’ funeral at Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens — PHOTOS(NYDN)* At Ramos funeral, calls for healing and a gesture of disdain(Capital)* Thousands Attend Funeral of Officer Killed on Duty in Brooklyn(NY1)* 'THESE PEOPLE WILL BE WITH YOU YOUR WHOLE LIFE': Vice President Biden comforts grieving father of slain NYPD officer Wenjian Liu after delivering eulogy for Rafael Ramos(NYDN)

Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton

"Our hearts are aching today," Mayor Bill de Blasio says. "New York City has lost a hero." * deBlasio on Officer Ramos, and cops everywhere: "Those who are called to protect others are a special breed." @WNYC  * After initially facing forward nearly all NYPD & other officers have now turned their backs as Mayor de Blasio speaks * Bill de Blasio is now chronicling Officer Rafael Ramos' biography. "He believed in protecting others," he says. * Biden: NYPD killings 'touched the soul of this nation'  * .@CommissBratton says PO Liu's family is here at Christ Tabernacle to mourn with Ramos family* Bratton: "Someday the tears will end. The memories will not." @WNYC * NYPD Commissioner Bratton describes Officer Ramos as"good man who tried hard, who sacrificed, had desire to serve"  * Bratton: Healing "would be the ultimate honor for Officers Ramos and Liu." @WNYC * Mayor de Blasio, NYPD continue to feel friction during officer’s funeral(NYDN) * Cops Turn TheirBacks On Mayor de Blasio During Funeral for Murdered NYPD Officer (NYM)

Danielle Tcholakian ‏@danielleiat  

@somebadideas FYI was just told cops turned their backs specifically when mayor started talking about respect for NYPD...

"Officer Ramos was assassinated because he represented all of us," Commissioner William Bratton says.* Bill de Blasio's speech at funeral was a major opportunity for him to set the right tone and push for unity. He looked tired and anxious.  * NYPD cops turned their backs on Mayor deBlasio as he spokeat officer's funeral (ABC) * Bratton, de Blasion praise fallen NYPD officer * NYPD Officers Turn Their Backs On De Blasio During FuneralFor Slain Officer Ramos  * ‘All of this city is grieving’: Mayor de Blasio reaches outto NYPD during eulogy for Officer Rafael Ramos at funeral * VIDEO: Commissioner Bratton speaks at fallen NYPD officer'sfuneral * Cops turn backs on de Blasio at executed officer’s funeral(NYP)* An institution canabsorb only so much slander. (City Journal)* Video Shows Crowd ofPolice Officers Turning Backs to Mayor at Funeral (NYT) * Mayor Bill de Blasio focused his remarks on the fallen officer. Others at funeral spoke more broadly about New York(WSJ) * Thousands mourn NYPD officer Rafael Ramos, posthumouslynamed department chaplain by Commissioner Bratton  * COPS SHUN MAYOR AT FUNERAL: NYPD, police from across U.S. turn backs on de Blasio as he eulogizes Officer Rafael Ramos(NYDN) * Thousands Attend Funeral For Fallen Officer Rafael Ramos(WCBS) * Protesters turn their backs on NYPD officers outside Brooklyn precinct (SI Advance) * Cops around the country show up in staggering numbers at funeral for fallen NYPD officer(WPIX) * Emotional support for slain officers at funeral is not without controversy(WPIX)

Alyssa Katz ‏@alykatzz  

At cop funeral, as previous, Bratton speaks much more powerfully than de Blasio on bringing entire city together in peace.

Michael Howard Saul ‏@MichaelHwrdSaul  

Some quick online reviews suggest Biden, Cuomo and Bratton acquitted themselves well in funeral remarks. De Blasio, no.

Boycott and Shut Down the NYP

Anti Cop Protesters Target the Post

‘Die-in’ by anti-cop brutality demonstrators planned at NewsCorp’s New Yorkoffices(NYDN) 

The Ferguson National Response Network has targeted the headquarters of Fox News and the New York Post for a 2 p.m. protest Friday. ‘Shut down the New York Post!’ blares a flier posted on the Ferguson protestors’ Tumblr site. ‘Boycott their racist lies.’ This flyer promotes the 'die-in' that protesters are staging Friday in front of the New York Post's building. Anti-police brutality protesters are planning to hold more rallies in New York City this week, including a “die-in” in front of News Corp’s Midtown offices. The Ferguson National Response Network has targeted the headquarters of Fox News and the New York Post for a 2 p.m. protest Friday — followed by similar actions around the city. “Shut down the New York Post!” blared a protest flier posted on the Ferguson Network’s Tumblr

A City and Political Leaders In Shock Will Bury Officer Ramos Today

VP Biden 

"This is a city of courage and character...and I'm absolutely confident that spirit is alive and well in this city." -VP on New York City * Biden Says Cops' Killing 'Touched the Nation' * Biden at police funeral: 'Our hearts ache for you'Biden at police funeral: 'Our hearts ache for you'  * Vice President Joe Biden says PO Rafael Ramos kept a Biblein his locker and 'lived it in his heart' at funeral * Slain NYPD Ofcs. Ramos and Liu posthumously promoted to detective first class: (ABC)* An assassin's bullet"touched the soul of an entire nation” @VP said at funeral for PO Ramos * Joe Biden Delivers Touching Eulogy For Slain NYPD Cop (Huff Post)

de Blasio Aide Who Compared Mayor Opponents to the Gunman Who Killed Cops Info Removed From Twitter and Facebook Overnight

Former De Blasio campaign operative equates critics to cop killer (NYP) A former campaign operative for Mayor Bill de Blasio who’s now working for the Department of Education publicly compared de Blasio’s critics to the gunman who killed two cops in Brooklyn. “You people are part of the problem, not solution,” Jason Reischel wrote on Facebook about de Blasio’s detractors. “You are no different than the man who pulled the trigger.​”

Sunday PM Another Silent Protest of Mayor de Blasio as Officer Liu Is Laid to Rest(NYT) The snub by many uniformed officers watching the funeral of Officer Wenjian Liu in Brooklyn showed a willingness by the rank and file to disregard their leadership. * Amid Sea of New York Blue, Other Hues Reveal Bonds Behind the Badge (NYT)  As row upon row of New York Police Department officers assembled on Sunday to honor a slain colleague, they were again joined by thousands of counterparts from across the country, and beyond. * Updates From the Funeral of Police Officer Wenjian Liu(NYT)  Coverage of the funeral of Officer Liu, who was shot dead with his patrol partner as they sat in their car.* In New York City, a Toll Is Newly Felt as Asians Rise in the Police Ranks (NYT) Asian-American officers have recently been in the middle of a series of wrenching incidents involving the New York Police Department, testifying to a surge in their ranks.* Wenjian Liu was determined to be a cop — and it cost him his life(NYDN) * ‘(DE BLASIO) DOESN’T HAVE OUR BACK’: Officers again turn their backs on Hizzoner as he eulogizes slain Officer Wenjian Liu(NYDN)

Bratton Backs Off At Funeral 

Bratton warns NYPD not to turn backs on mayor at cop’s funeral(NYP) * Man busted for threatening to ‘kill police’(NYP) * Gangbanger wanted in alleged cop threats turns self in(NYP)* New York City Police arrested fewer people in the last weekof December (BBC) * Mourners pay their respects to family of slain NYPD Officer Wenjian Liu at memorial outside his Brooklyn home(NYDN) * 'A hero’s funeral is about grieving, not grievance': Commissioner Bratton tells cops to not turn their backs on de Blasio during Officer Wenjian Liu's funeral(NYDN) *  Thousands expected at wake for #NYPD Detective Liu - 

 Commissioner William Bratton to NYPD: Don’t turn backs (WSJ) * He came for two cops he had never met, in a city where hedidn’t live, at the end of a life that never measured up. (NYT) * A Calligrapher Brings an Elegant Touch to an Officer’s Funeral(NYT) Zhao Ru, a famed Chinese calligrapher and Bensonhurst resident, created two scrolls, one for the wake and one for the funeral of Officer Wenjian Liu * NYPD Officer: NotWorth It to Make Arrests ‘if I Have a Chance of Getting My Head Blown Off’  * Bratton Asks Cops Not to Turn Their Backs on de Blasio at NYPDOfficer's Funeral (NY Mag) * NYPD officers madeno protest against Mayor de Blasio for the 15 minutes he was at Wenjian Liu'swake this afternoon (NYP) * Mourners PayRespects to the Second of Two Officers Slain in Brooklyn * .@BilldeBlasio, @CommissBratton, @NYGovCuomo attend wake for fallenNYPD detective. (NY1) * NYPD Officers Salutede Blasio as He Enters Wenjian Liu's Wake (NY Mag)  * No protest as de Blasio stays for 15 minutes at slain cop’s wake (NYP)

 Cops gather for second executed officer’s wake(NYP) * SAYING GOODBYE TO A FALLEN HERO: At least 1,000 cops attend Brooklyn wake for slain NYPD Officer Wenjian Liu as Mayor de Blasio pays his respects without incident(NYDN) * Bratton to NYPD: Don’t turn your backs at funeral(NYP) * A salute to Officer Liu(NYP Ed) * In New York City, a Toll Is Newly Felt as Asians Rise in the Police Ranks(NYT)  Asian-American officers have recently been in the middle of a series of wrenching incidents involving the New York Police Department, testifying to a significant surge in their ranks.* Mourners Pay Respects to Wenjian Liu, Officer Slain in Brooklyn(NYT)  A blue line of police officers stretched for blocks outside a funeral home in Brooklyn on Saturday at the wake for Officer Liu, who was fatally shot along with his partner, Officer Rafael Ramos, on Dec. 20. * * A BLUE WALL OF RESPECT FOR FALLEN HERO: Officer Wenjian Liu's father tells mourners his son's 'bravery is still with us' as cops salute Mayor de Blasio at wake(NYDN) * New Yorkers' aid for families of slain NYPD officers swells to nearly 269G(NYDN) * Hamill: Patrick Lynch owes Bill de Blasio an apology (NYDN) * For Mario Cuomo, Defeat in 1977 Mayor’s Race Cast a Long Shadow(NYT)  Before he was governor, Mario M. Cuomo was a reluctant candidate for New York’s mayor, and the defeat weighed heavily on the rest of his political career.

Cuomo Attends Wake of PO Lee

Asked about his father, Cuomo says: "Today is not the day for my dad. But I can say I miss him already." There's a hole in my heart that will be there forever," Cuomo says. But he came to the wake in part to honor his father's memory. "He would've wanted me here," Cuomo said. "My father would have been here today. I wanted to be here today." "We have to stop any fights within the family, and we have to come together as the family of NY and stand strong." @NYGovCuomo at Liu Wake.* "What makes New York strong is we take our diversity and we make it astrength, not a weakness." - @NYGovCuomo * At Liu wake, Cuomo calls for ‘phase of healing’(Capital) “You have to remember every time a police officer leaves the house in the morning this is the thought that goes through the wife’s mind, and through the children’s mind: Is my husband coming home tonight? Is my dad coming home tonight?” Cuomo said, after expressing his condolences to the Liu family and the NYPD. * Andrew Cuomo reflects on slain Officer Wenjian Liu: 'He was so proud of his whole family'(NYDN)

Too Close for Comfort: Establishment Sending A Message?

Bratton to NYPD: Don’t Turn Backs at Officer’s Funeral(WSJ) .* No Turned Backs at Officer Liu’s Funeral, Bratton Asks(NYT)* Bill Bratton isasking police officers not to turn their backs on the mayor at the funeral forWenjian Liu:(DNAINFO) * Police Commissioner Calls for Order Ahead of NYPD Detective's Wake(NY1)

Liu Family Broken 

Threats dialed into cops at precincts, on cellphones(NYP) Cops around the city are being tormented by maniacal threats phoned into station houses and messaged directly to their cellphones. Four people were arrested for making terroristic threats, and cops were investigating 40 other incidents after the murders of two officers in Brooklyn last Saturday, law-enforcement sources said.* FDNY abandons firehouse next to gang-threatened police station(NYP) * Family of slain officer visits Brooklyn station house(NYP) * College paper editor defends editorial despite cop killings(NYP)  “I still stand by what I said. I endorse an individual’s right to self-defense, even if it’s against a police officer — by any means necessary,” Gordon Barnes told The Post. * Lying about the cops(NYP Ed)* NYPD investigates Black Guerrilla Family gang for allegedly threatening cops in Brooklyn; police say precincts flooded with some 40 threats, including one that two slain officers ‘are burning in hell’(NYDN)

7 Arrested for Threats Against Cops 40 Being Investigated

Iron Pipeline From Southern State of Guns
Tracing the Gun Used to Kill 2 New York City Police Officers(NYT) The weapon used by Ismaaiyl Brinsley was last sold in a legally traceable transaction at Arrowhead Pawn Shop, a store just south of Atlanta that is well known to New York police officials.* OUT OF THE PARK! Mets captain — whose father was a cop — reaches out to sons of slain NYPD officer Rafael Ramos, invites them to spring training (NYDN)* 'LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER': Widow and parents of NYPD cop Wenjian Liu wracked with grief visiting site where he and partner were executed by madman(NYDN)* Federal officialsmay use little-known civil rights statute in police shooting cases * City Prepares Two Goodbyes for Fallen Officers(WSJ) The New York Police Department is preparing to bid farewell to two of their own, Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were ambushed in their patrol car by a lone gunman

 Protesters Hit Streets Again, Defying Mayor(WSJ) Hundreds of protesters took to Manhattan’s streets Tuesday evening to rally against what they say is unfair treatment by the New York Police Department, in defiance of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s call for a halt to demonstrations until two slain police officers are laid to rest.* Police Make Fifth Arrest in Connection with Threats Against the NYPD(NY1) * Protesters March on Fifth Avenue Despite Mayor’s Request(NY1)* NYPD Officer WenjianLiu's widow, parents weep when visiting site where gunman shot two cops(NYDN) * Protesters Rally For2nd Night After Shooting Of Armed Teen Near Ferguson(NYDN) * Bill Bratton’scandor has boosted, busted his career (Boston Globe)* NYPD Arrests Sevenfor Threats After Slayings of Officers  * Liu, Ramos to Receive Posthumous Promotions as Station HouseTributes Pour In  * THANKS FOR THE TIP! Mayor applauds citizen after NYPD traces Queens man to illegal gun cache after he allegedly says murdered cops should have been white(NYDN)* Eric Garner's Family Spends First Christmas Without Him (DNAINFO) * Patrick Lynch TellsNew NYPD Officers to 'Connect With the Community' (DNAINFO) * At Vigil for TwoSlain Officers, Prayers for the Police (NYT) * Sharpton prays for families of slain NYPD officers (Fox5) * NYC readies for weekend wake, funeral of officer (Fox5) * Liu, Ramos to Receive Posthumous Promotions as Station House Tributes Pour In(NY1)* NYPD Makes Seventh Arrest in Connection with Threats Against Department(NY1)* Two Staten Islanders arrested during recent wave of threats against police officers(SI Advance)

After 2 Dead Cops and Chants of Kill Cops the Council Shows Supports the NYPD 

City Council Speaker Also Calls for PoliceProtests to Stop (NYDN) * NYPD @CommissBratton speaks with @ErrolLouis on @InsideCityHall. Watch:  *  CNN Reporter: Protesters Crashed Memorial for Slain NYPDCops, ‘Started Yelling at Groups of Police’(Blaze)* Before Bed-Stuy:What de Blasio Actually Said About Cops (City Limits)

A political blue wall of cops that a twist Cuomo declines to place blame for 'overheated' rhetoric (Capital)

PO Dossi Father Says His Shot Son Did Not Like the Mayor's Visit

Shot NYPD officer Andrew Dossi mad over Mayor de Blasio's hospital visit, cop's dad says: ‘He really didn’t want him to be there’(NYDN) * “He wasn’t too happy about the mayor’s visit,” Dossi’s dad Joe told The Post at the family’s home in Rockland County. “He (Dossi) deals with some crappy people every day and getting no support (from the mayor), come on. These are the guys in the trenches dealing with anything and everything.* Shot cop tells DeBlasio: Get Lost! (Daily Beast)* The New Yorker’s George Packer addresses the tensionsbetween the de Blasio administration and the NYPD, writing that the starting point should be an honest recognition of the human reality between cops and citizens:

Police Officer Pellerano of the 46 Precinct, who was shot Monday night while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect in the Bronx, was released from St. Barnabas Hospital to continue his recovery. Family, friends and fellow officers cheered for Police Officer Pellerano as he left the hospital. Join us in wishing him well.* Two men, Joshua Kemp, 28, and James Polanco, 24, both of the Bronx, were arrested Tuesday in connection with a Bronx shootout that left a pair of plainclothes officers wounded, The Wall Street Journal reports:  More Plane Banners  Two planes hired by a group of retired cops took to the skies over the Hudson River and New York City on Tuesday, towing protest banners calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to resign, the DailyNews reports: Lynch de Blasio Apology Would Help Patrolmen's Benevolent Association president Pat Lynch said that an apology from de Blasio "would go a long way" toward helping heal a rift between the police department and City Hall, Capital New York reports:  * Wounded #NYPD officer expected to be released from #Bronx hospital today * ‘HE WAS A GOOD KID BEFORE WE MOVED’: Parents blame themselves, homelessness and life choices for sons allegedly shooting two Bronx cops(NYDN)

Crime Up In Last 4 Weeks 

Violent crime hits a high as 2014 comes to a close(NYP) Murders and shootings soared in the city in the past four weeks compared with the same period last year — with 10 slayings alone just last week, NYPD stats show. The number of shooting victims leaped 60 percent, with 105 in the 28-day period as opposed to 66 for the same time last year, the figures show. The number of shootings also jumped 40 percent, from 61 to 85. Murders rose 27 percent, too. There were 28 killings for the period compared with 22 last year. Ten of the murders occurred in the past seven days — including the killings of two police officers in Brooklyn over the weekend. “Ten murders in a week — that’s something that used to happen back in the old days,” a police source said. Despite the particularly bloody month, murders for the year are down overall and are on pace to beat last year’s record low of 334 — the lowest number in the city’s recorded history.

Cops turn backs on de Blasio at executed officer’s funeral(NYP) * 23,000 cops mourn slain brother at funeral((NYP) * COPS SHUN MAYOR: NYPD, police from across U.S. turn their backs on de Blasio as he eulogizes Officer Rafael Ramos(NYDN) * TRULY THE FINEST: Officer Rafael Ramos eulogized by Biden, de Blasio, Cuomo, Bratton; remembered as man with big heart(NYDN) * Hamill: Family who found themselves homeless in Brooklyn was looked out for by 'nice guy' Officer Rafael Ramos(NYDN)* Warren: Vice President Biden's eulogy at Ramos funeral a knockout(NYDN) * Mourners from all over U.S. attend funeral for Rafael Ramos(NYDN) * Eric Adams: Bridging the city’s painful divide(NYDN) * COPS SHUN MAYOR AT FUNERAL: NYPD, police from across U.S. turn their backs on de Blasio as he eulogizes Officer Rafael Ramos(NYDN) * @BilldeBlasio and the making of a police-unionnemesis (Capital) * Eric Adams for this op ed...Bridging the painfuldivide-NYDN- respecting cops & comm'y- not a hobson choice (NYDN) * Mayor De Blasio Don't Yield To Pat Lynch's AndPBA's Blackmail Campaign (Black Star News)  * De Blasio ‘unresponsive’ on 9/11 fund issue: Rep. King(NYP) * Key developments inpolice-communities tension (Fox5) * Rudy Giuliani urgesBill de Blasio to apologize for police remarks(Politico) * NY police boss callsfor a 'lot less rhetoric and a lot more dialogue' to ease tension betweenofficers & population(AP)* The Funeral of 1st Grade Detective Wenjian Liu Will be Sat 1-9PM & Sunday 10AM at Ralph Aievoli & Son Funeral home 1275 65 St Brooklyn * Black, Latino PoliceGroups Hold Vigil For Murdered NYPD Officers (WCBS)

Protest Continue Against Police 

Protesters March Demanding Justice In Officer Shooting That Killed Akai Gurley(WCBS) About 200 people gathered Saturday to protest the November shooting of an unarmed Brooklyn man by a police officer in a public housing building in Brooklyn.* 200 protest Nov. killing of man by NYPD officer(Fox 5)* Protesters stage anti-cop rally at Akai Gurley slay site(NYP) * BROOKLYN MARCHES: Hundreds take to the streets to demand justice for Akai Gurley, man shot dead by rookie cop(NYDN) * Crowd Gathers in Brooklyn to Protest a Police Shooting(NYT) * Marching in Memoryof Akai Gurley(Daily Beast)

  

Liu Cop's Widow Pours her Heart Out 

Cop’s widow pours her heart out in teary thanks to New York(NYP) The newlywed widow of slain Officer Wenjian Liu wept Monday while thanking the city for its support, as the family of his murdered partner focused on the two sons he left behind. “This is a difficult time for both of our families,’’ said Pei Xia Chen, who married Liu just two months ago in what neighbors described as a simple yet beautiful ceremony in their Gravesend home.* Cop’s widow pours heart out in teary thanks to New York(NYP)* To aid and honorslain NYPD officers Liu and Ramos (NYDN)  The urgent task for New Yorkers and the nation now: To aid bereaved officers' families in any way possible* Vigil for Slain Officers Grows in Brooklyn as Memorials Held Across City(NY1) * NYPD officer WenjianLiu's widow speaks out on husband's murder(CBS)* Family of SlainOfficer Rafael Ramos Thanks Killer's Family for Condolences (DNAINFO)* The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will pay the mortgages on the homes of New York City police officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were shot and killed in Brooklyn on Saturday. Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani visited the Liu family to pay his condolences.

De Blasio Fights to Find Balance After 2 Killings(NYT) Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the families of two New York City police officers who were killed and called for a break in protests as he sought to show leadership over a divided city. *  At N.Y.P.D. Funerals, Politics, Grief and Shifting Traditions(NYT)

Gunman May Have Used Garner and Brown Cases to Justify Police Killings, Experts Say

Like most people who assault uniformed officers, experts said, Ismaaiyl Brinsley was most likely a social misfit with a longstanding grudge against authority in general, and the police in particular.* Authorities on Monday released the last known image of the shooter, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, hoping to retrace his final hours before he executed the two officers, the New York Post reports:  * Experts said Ismaaiyl Brinsley, who shot and killed the two NYPD officers on Saturday, was likely a social misfit with a longstanding grudge against authority in general and the police in particular, the Times reports:  * Police areinvestigating why Ismaaiyl Brinsley was loaded with cash when he executed twoNYPD officers last weekend (NYP)

The Monsters WhoScreamed for Dead Cops (Daily Beast) * ASSASSIN’S MOTHER SPEAKS: Mom of Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28, who gunned down two NYPD officers in twisted revenge plot says she is ‘deeply sorry’ for what he did(NYDN) * ‘He wasn’t supposedto be there’: NYPD Officer Wenjian Liu volunteered to work a fill-in shift theday he was gunned down (NYDN)  Officer Wenjian Liu volunteered to replace a fellow cop during his fatal final shift, a cop source told The News. Pei Xia Chen, who married Liu in September, wept as she spoke about him Monday. She said her husband wanted to lead a life of service. Liu and his partner, Officer Rafael Ramos, were shot dead in Brooklyn on Saturday.

Also on Monday, Emerald Snipes, daughter of Eric Garner, visited the site where the cops were killed.* "not clear whether #Brinsley used WAZE app as a police location tool 4 the murders or...as app is intended2b used”  * Bratton: Man WhoKilled NYPD Cops Had Cash; Where From? (CBS)* Black cops say theyget racially profiled, too: (NYM)* CITY UNITES FOR MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor de Blasio leads somber tribute three days to minute after cold-blooded madman executes two NYPD officers in Brooklyn(NYDN)

Targeted Attack on New York Police Officers Reopens Wounds From the Militant 1970s(NYT)

The shooting of two officers by a man who left messages of antipolice hatred recalled a grim period in the city’s history.Some of the assassinations of police officers in the early 1970s were stoked by a militant strain of the black liberation movement, including the explosive killing of Officers Rocco Laurie and Gregory Foster in 1972.* Police Unions, Elected Leaders Point to Mayor Following Police Shooting(NY1)

 NYPD Monday Updates

New York City’s anti-cop activists are scrambling for cover now A City on the Brink (City Journal)

Anti-cop attitudes among the city’s progressive elites created the context for this weekend’s atrocity

‘Today is the worst day of my life': Executed officer’s son(NYP)

New York Police Add Precautions After Ambush(NYT) The killings of two officers in Brooklyn on Saturday set off a bunker mentality across the department, as sentries were posted outside station houses and officers were barred from patrolling alone. * New York Police Officers’ Killer Was Adrift, Ill and Vengeful(NYT)  Before shooting two police officers, Ismaaiyl Brinsley had an extensive history with police, suffered from mental problems and was isolated from his family, his relatives said.

de Blasio and Bratton Press Release 

Mayor de Blasio saidhe visited families of both Ramos and Liu today: “They are in pain”(DNAINFO) * De Blasio says the sons of Officer Ramos "reminded me of my own children." Recalls the death of his own father when he was 18.* De Blasio says he talked to Officer Ramos' sons about how he also lost his father at a young age.* Grimm to plead guilty to felony. Can serve in Cong if doesn't resign. House of course couldexpel. Your move Grimm. (NYT) .@BilldeBlasio reiterates plea for NYers to "put aside" demonstrations until slain NYPD officers arelaid to rest:  * .@CommissBratton says he spoke to leaders of all 5 police unions and they are "standing down" til after funerals.* De Blasio and Bratton are working on bringing Liu family members from China, getting visas etc. Funeral will be planned after that. * Shooter’s cellphone had video of a protest at union square. “Just an spectator” Chief Boyce describes.


The Rev. Al Sharpton said the murder of the two NYPD officers will not stop the protest movement against overaggressive police tactics, the Daily News reports: * "We owe it to the family to find out what happened here," Boyce says of their efforts to find out exactly where Brinsley was.* "I believe we will transcend this. I believe we will overcome this."* NOW: Mayor Bill de Blasio blasting media "What are you guys going to do?" "Are you going to keep dividing us?"* "Can you point out one mayor to me who has not been battling with police unions over the past 50 years?” @CommissBratton says. * Translation: When Mayor de Blasio calls you "my friend" at a presser he usually means the opposite..@BilldeBlasio says he refuses to play the blame game. Minutes later, he blames the media for highlighting "hateful" rhetoric in protests.Don't worry New York. Bill de Blasio and Bill Bratton want you to know things were worse in Boston in the 1970s.* NYPD seeks public’s help to learn cop killer’s final hours(NYP) * Cop killer’s life was ‘spiraling out of control': family(NYP) * De Blasio said New Yorkers should put aside political debates and protests out of respect for the families of the two NYPD officers murdered on Saturday, the Observer reports: * Cuomo repeatedly refused to condemn the president of a top police union for claiming de Blasio had “blood” on his hands after two cops were killed execution-style Saturday, the Observer reports

Jacob Kornbluh ‏@jacobkornbluh  

So, according to de Blasio, reporters "enable" protesters to say hateful things against the NYPD.. OMGGG!!\

The Assassinated of Two Offices Revenge for Garner In Cold Blood

The Fall Out

Executed cops were loyal to their family and the badge(NYP)* Man aimed empty gun in cop’s face, pulled trigger: officials(NYP)  A third cop narrowly escaped with his life Saturday night when a suspect pointed a gun directly at the officer’s head and pulled the trigger in The Bronx * Con Ed workers confronted gunman after he shot cops(NYP) * The first assassination of an NYPD officer since the 1988 ambush of Edward Byrne has rattled the rank-and-file — and prompted cops to adopt drastic “wartime” policing tactics not seen since the 1970s.

Two NYPD officers 'assassinated' while sitting in patrol carin Brooklyn by gunman who boasted on Instagramabout 'revenge' killing cops (GRAPHIC IMAGES)(NYDN) Ismaaiyl Brinsley fired at NYPD officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu in their squad car in Bedford-Stuyvesant sources said. Hours earlier, Brinsley shot his girlfriend in Baltimore and boasted in social media about wanting to kill cops. Both officers later died at Woodhull Hospital.* Deaths of Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, NYPD officers shotdead in 'ambush,' triggers wave of sadness(NYDN)  Liu, 32, got married two months ago. Ramos, 40, just celebrated his birthday on Dec. 12. He has a 13-year-old son.

  Editorial: NYPDofficers' deaths should bring New Yorkers to draw lessons that honor theirultimate sacrifice(NYDN)  Two cops murdered at a place that proved they believed black lives do matter — in a time when so many libel the NYPD with the accusation that police devalue the very existence of African-Americans. Now is the time for New Yorkers, in uniform and not, both critics and defenders of the NYPD, to far more wisely draw lessons that honor the ultimate sacrifice made by these two officers by pulling together with healing resolve.* Killer's INSTAGRAM threat: 'I'm putting wings on pigs today'...

'They take 1 of ours, let's take 2 of theirs'...

de Blasio's Anti-Crime, Cop Judge Picks Continue

De Blasio boots judge known to be tough on criminals A Manhattan judge known for being tough on criminals has been booted from the bench by Mayor de Blasio — even against the ­advice of his own vetting team, law-enforcement sources told The Post on Tuesday. The move comes on the heels of de Blasio’s reappointment of Brooklyn Judge Laura Johnson, who set free without bail two men who threatened to kill cops just days after a double police assassination. The booted judge, Diana Boyar, “was fair, knowledgeable and ran the courtroom professionally,” a stunned source said. Another source added of Boyar, “She is a fair, very smart and respected judge who’s known for being tough, and Legal Aid doesn’t like her for it.”

13-year-old son of slain NYPD cop Rafael Ramos mourns father on Facebook: 'I will always love you and I willnever forget you. RIP Dad

13-year-old son ofslain NYPD cop Rafael Ramos mourns father: 'I will always love you and I willnever forget you. RIP Dad.'(NYDN)   Jaden Ramos' Facebook profile is laden with both heartwarming and heart-wrenching posts about his dad, who appeared to have celebrated a birthday on Dec. 9. Rafael Ramos and his partner, Wenjian Liu, were killed Saturday as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn. “At least two units are to respond to EVERY call, no matter the condition or severity, no matter what type of job is pending, or what the opinion of the patrol supervisor happens to be,” an e-mail widely circulated among cops advised Saturday night. Doubling the number of cops responding to even minor 911 calls would effectively cut in half the NYPD’s patrol strength.* Baltimore police told theNYPD about the shooter via phone 35 minutes before shooting, Baltimore Sun reports: 

NYC Slides Into the Flies 

Rhetoric Has Consequences

They gave their lives(NYP Ed)Two NYPD officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, doing nothing more than sitting innocently in their car — murdered in cold blood, in broad daylight.* Two NYPD officers EXECUTED in Brooklyn ambush as suspect shoots cops in patrol car before killing himself — retribution for Eric Garner, Michael Brown looked at as motive(NYDN)* Police union declares war on de Blasio after murder of officers(Capital)* Ismaaiyl Brinsley,suspect in NYPD killings, has criminal history (NYDN)* Slain NYPD Officers Receive Farewell Salute As Bodies LeaveWoodhull Hospital  * After killing of 2 NYPD officers, union chief says “blood onthe hands” starts in Mayor’s office.  * Police union head says there's "blood on thehands" of mayor and protesters in shooting deaths of two officers (DNAINFO) * Over 40,000 people have already signed petition for deBlasio to resign  * NYPD shooting suspect promised attack ahead of time: (ABC)

WATCH: Family and Friends of Slain NYPD Officer Hold PressConference
Giuliani's 180 on de Blasio

Former Mayor Giuliani Says De Blasio Not Responsible ForOfficer Deaths(WCBS)

“What do we want?” drones the blood chant. “Dead cops!” comes the reply. Done

NYP BobMcManus: There is blood on hands of those who demanded 'dead cops' 

There is blood on hands of those who demanded ‘dead cops’(NYP Ed) Yes, First Amendment. Yes, redress of grievances. Yes, peaceful protests — even as clogged bridges and mobbed boulevards created, however temporarily, very real peril for tens of thousands of New Yorkers every night for a week. The free-speech trope is so obviously true that it’s a deflection even to raise it. Here’s the real issue: It was, and it remains, the responsibility of protest organizers — such as they may be in the face of ubiquitous social media — to directly address murderous incantations, to unequivocally condemn those who call down harm on the city’s protectors. And they didn’t do that.

The PBA Reacts 

Email circulated among cops: 2 cars respond to every call(NYP)

Executed cops were loyal to their family and the badgePolice commissioner: Killer of 2 NYC cops shot his ex-girlfriend early Saturday in Baltimore.* #NYPD Commissioner says both officers were assassinated in uniform. Connection to Baltimore shooting.* "It is a moment when we must all come together ... to support healing," @BilldeBlasio says * Ramos had a 13 year old son. other officer was recently married. Horrendous.* Bratton: NYPD shooting suspect had "very stronganti-police bias", lived most recently in Georgia (NBC)* In speaking for +5 minutes, @billdeblasio focused solely and emotionally on the tragedy of the Brooklyn NYPD murders.* Officers' Deaths Tear at an Already Frayed RelationshipBetween de Blasio and Police(NYDN)

Bratton says the killer's latest residence seems to be Georgia, but he seems to have some connection to Brooklyn.* Emotional #NYPD Commissioner says we should be celebrating birth for #Christmas. Now mourning for all. * AG Holder condemns assassination of two NYPD officers as "unspeakable act of barbarism". Calls attack "cowardly", pledges feds' help to NYPD

An Asian man and a Spanish man, both police officers. So much for the white racist cop stereotype. Two INNOCENT men murdered for being NYPD. * Skelos statement on #NYPD shootings: "It's time for New York City's top elected City officials to begin to act like leaders"

 Police officers turned their backs on Mayor Bill de Blasioas he walked into the police press conference about the two NYPD officers shotand killed execution-style in Brooklyn. (WPIX) * AP sources: Cops' killer angry over Garner death (AP) "He wrote 'they take 1 of ours, let's take 2 of theirs' and used the hashtags  RIPErivGardner (sic) RIPMikeBrown"* Both Bo Dietl & fmr Police Commish Bernie Kerik call for Mayor "Big Bird" DiBlasio to resign claiming he has lost control

In 1988 Police Officer Eddie Byrne Was Assassinated by Drug Dealers Today Was A Political Assassination 

Hamill: Even indeath, rookie cop Eddie Byrne's assassination in Jamaica sparked the beginningof a safer city (NYDN) Officer Eddie Byrne was sitting outside in the middle of the night protecting a witness testifying against a crack lord when he was gunned down. Police Commissioner Bill Bratton came in the middle of the night to remember the sacrifice he made for a better city.

Lindsay Walked the Streets of Harlem in the 60's Keep NYC Calm and Together, de Blasio Uses Cops to Get Elected Creating Two Cities

Twitter report- Brooklyn: U/D; Shooter was a Gang member from Baltimore who drove to NYC to kill NYPD officers. #PoliceLivesMeter

* Two cops shot and killed in their car, by someone who shothimself in the head afterwards:(NYT)* NY1: Suspect in shooting of NYPD officers wanted in Baltimore in connectionwith death there -

* UPDATE: Gunman who shot dead two NYPD cops inBrooklyn identified as Ismaaiyl Brinsley, a gang member from Baltimore. (NYDN)* NYPD PBA: De Blasio’s Hands ‘Dripping With Our Blood’ (JPUpdate)* "You put on that uniform and it's a thin blue line between them and anarchy." #NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton

BREAKING: Suspect Identified As 28-Year-OldIshmael Brinsley - 

Gunman kills self after 2 NYPD cops fatally shot ‘execution style’ as ‘revenge’ for Garner(NYP)

Gunman kills self after 2 NYPD cops shot dead ‘execution style’ as ‘revenge’ for Garner(NYP) Two uniformed NYPD officers were shot dead Saturday afternoon as they sat in their marked police car on a Brooklyn street corner — in what investigators believe was a crazed gunman’s execution-style mission to avenge Eric Garner and Michael Brown. “It’s an execution,” one law enforcement source said of the 3 p.m. shooting of the two officers, whose names were being withheld pending family notification of their deaths.

Two cops shot in Brooklyn:sources (NYDN)A suspect fired at the officers at Myrtle Ave. and Tompkins Ave. in Bedford-Stuyvesant, sources said.BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, Brooklyn (PIX11) — Two officers were shot in the 79th precinct, the NYPD has confirmed.* Breaking911 ‏ @Breaking911  39s40 seconds agoDEVELOPING: Two NYPD Officers Shot Execution Style In Brooklyn -#NYPD #Brooklyn -POLICE OFFICERS EXECUTED FOR NO REASON WHILE THEY WERE SITTING IN *Breaking News: Update: City Councilman Robert Cornegysays both officers shot in Brooklyn are dead. @BreakingNews 

A hugely tragic day for the NYPD and all of New York City. Two cops in Bed Stuy in patrol car shot in head @pix11news * Do you think some pols should have come forward after the attack of cops on the Brooklyn Bridge and Said Cool It?* VIDEO: Officers warnpeople to get down in subway station during search for Brooklyngunman:  * Police union condemns mayor, denies inflammatory memo  * Editorial: NYPD officers' deaths should bring New Yorkers todraw lessons that honor their ultimate sacrifice(NYDN Ed)* VIDEO: NYPD union president says protestors, mayor have“blood on their hands”

Well this should make everything better. Nothing like an awkward photo op to clear the air.

De Blasio hides after praying at St. Patrick’s Cathedral(NYP) * "they were protecting the very population the NYPD isaccused of victimizing.”(NYDN Ed)* Police Combing Through Shooting Suspect’s Arrest History andViolent Day (NYDN) * 2 Officers Are Fatally Shot in Brooklyn; Suspect Is Dead(NYT) *

Updates on Fatal Shooting of Two N.Y.P.D. Officers(NYT)* a tragic night inbrooklyn, and a turning point for @BilldeBlasio and @commissbratton *Police Unions, Others Blast De Blasio After ShootingDeaths Of 2 NYPD Cops (WCBS)* Police turn their back on de Blasio(NYP) * POTUS: "I unconditionally condemn today's murder of two police officers in NYC.. I ask people to reject violence and words that harm."

Sal Albanese ‏@SalAlbaneseNYC 

Demonization of our police force by disgusting pols & others must be held responsible for the shootings of these heroes

At Demonstrations, Change in Tone After Officers Are Killed(NYT)  New York protest groups are determining how to continue their push for police reform while responding to the ambush killings of two police officers in Brooklyn.Cuomo Cuomo Refuses to Condemn Lynch for Claiming deBlasio Has Blood on His Hands(NYO) * Cuomo Speaks With Sharpton, Police Labor Leaders(YNN) *C\uomo  "The mayor hasmy full support. The union leaders have my full support"(Capital)

De Blasio surfaces to visit families of executed cops(NYP)

de Blasio PAL Talk  De Blasio says appointing Bratton commissioner of the NYPD was one of the highlights of his year, calls for everyone to thank him. * de Blasio : "A century ago, these same challenges existed...Those moments of tension in the past, those flashpoints, they're not new to us." * .@BilldeBlasio is paying tribute to Mayor Dinkins. Some have drawn comparison between deep rift with cops now and in Dinkins time. * Mayor @BilldeBlasio calls for protesters to suspend demononstrations.* It's good cover for @BilldeBlasio that @JumaaneWilliams first called for moratorium on protests before the mayor did the same.#MayordeBlasio says this is not a time for debate about policing and community tensions. Says that will happen later. Now it's time to mourn * De Blasio to protesters: Start snitching * Memorial for executed NYPD cops draws mourners(NYP)

 A Widening Rift Between de Blasio and the Police Is Savagely Ripped Open(NYT) The long-simmering tensions between Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Police Department he has pledged to reshape have reached an extraordinary nadir after two officers were killed on Saturday. * Killing of New York Police Officers Tests Promise of ‘One City’(NYT Ed) Mayor Bill de Blasio, along with responsible police leaders and protesters, must bring New Yorkers together.* Cuomo visits family of executed officer(NYP) * Mayor Bill de Blasiosays ‘political debate’ can wait until after funerals of slain NYPD officers(WSJ) * Bill de Blasio AsksNew Yorkers to ‘Put Aside’ Protests After Murder of Police (NYO) Shapton and de Blasio Mayor de Blasio andRev. Al Sharpton have not spoken since two cops were murdered Saturday (NYDN)* .@BilldeBlasio to reporters: "now the question is what are you guys going to do? Are you going to keep dividing us?” cc @brianstelter * “Are you going tokeep dividing us?” de Blasio asks media about questions about confrontationsb/t protests & police: (DNAINFO)* VIDEO: De Blasio Explodes At Media: 'Are You Going To KeepDividing Us?'  * Tom Wrobleski writes in the Staten Island Advance that New York City is reverting to the bad old days, with the mayor having fostered an environment where City Hall and the NYPD engage in open warfare, police officers are getting assassinated and cops say they don't want the mayor at their funerals:

 Fatally wounded cop struggled to say his name before passing out(NYP) *NYC mourns slain officers in shooting attack(NYP) * Cop killer to witnesses: ‘Watch what I’m going to do’(NYP) * Sharpton: I got death threats after NYPD cops were executed (NYP)  * Retired cop shames Brooklyn official for execution ‘photo op’(NYP) A retired police officer shamed Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as he addressed a news station in front of the scene where two police officers were executed Saturday. “You’re doing a photo op here!” yelled disgusted former police Capt. Jack Jaskaran, 42, at Adams.* City at the brink — we must find a middle ground on policing(NYP) * 'WATCH WHAT I’M GOING TO DO': Twisted rambling of cop shooter before he executed two NYPD officers in their squad car after shooting ex-girlfriend in Baltimore(NYDN)* Lupica: Mayor de Blasio has damaged his relationship with NYPD — now he needs to repair it(NYDN) * HIS OWN MOTHER WAS SCARED: Cop killer Ismaaiyl Brinsley had a long rap sheet dating back years, tried to kill himself before — and even frightened his mom(NYDN)

‘WHAT DID MY DAD DO WRONG?’ Loved ones of slain NYPD officers in agony over sudden, violent loss — though one relative says ‘the Ramos family forgives’ the killer(NYDN) *  'It's horrible that someone gets shot dead just for being a police officer': 13-year-old son of slain NYPD cop Rafael Ramos mourns loss of 'best dad in the world'(NYDN)* Garner protesters express sympathy for police as fourth arrest is made in Brooklyn Bridge beatdown(NY1) * Fifth Suspect Arrested in Connection with Brooklyn Bridge Officer Attack(NY1)* Kin knew cop killer was ticking time bomb(NYP) * Copycat killings feared as threats continue to target cops(NYP) * Families mourn slain cops(NYP)* College, charity pledge support for sons of slain NYPD officer(NYP)

 De Blasio let protests run wild — culminating in murder of cops(NYP Ed) *City at the brink — we must find a middle ground on policing(NYP Ed) * City at the brink — we must find a middle ground on policing(NYP) * A CITY IN MOURNING: New Yorkers and fellow officers honor slain NYPD cops Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos as memorial springs up at the scene where they were fatally shot in Brooklyn — PHOTOS(NYDN) * HIS OWN MOTHER WAS SCARED: Cop killer Ismaaiyl Brinsley had a long rap sheet, suicidal past — and frightened his mom(NYDN) * From grief overpolice officer killings to honor for NYPD bravery and restraint (NYDN Ed)  New York must as one salute Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu as the personifications of all that is right with the NYPD

Protesters preparefor more demonstrations in wake of NYPD officers’ deaths(NYDN)  Justice League NYC ‘are moving forward’ with protests despite Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ imploring them to hold until Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu are laid to rest.* How Medics FoughtFrantically to Save Two Murdered New York Police Officers (Daily Beast)   * The NY PoliceUnion’s Vile War with Mayor De Blasio(Daily Beast) * De Blasio and the New York City Protesters Have No Blood on Their Hands (Daily Beast)* The son of one ofthe 2 NYPD officers killed in an ambush posted this message of grief to hisFacebook page (NBC)* The killings of two officers in Brooklyn on Saturday set off a bunker mentality across the department, as sentries were posted outside station houses and officers were barred from patrolling alone, The New York Timesreports: 

A group of Republican state legislators said New York should require all police vehicles to have bullet-proof glass in the wake of the shootings, Gannett Albany reports: * There is no more important job ahead for de Blasio than to lead and unite the city, and he cannot allow it to fracture into opposing camps of those who support outraged protesters and those who stand with aggrieved cops, the Times writes:  * Faced with the first targeted killings of New York City police officers in years, police leaders ratcheted up precautions for their vast patrol force on Sunday as officials described the predatory final movements of a gunman bent on killing officers.* Brinsley has a long criminal record in Georgia and Ohio and expressed his anger at police and government in “rants” on social media. His family is Muslim, but the NYPD found no indication that he was religious or that the slaying was motivated by religion.* De Blasio prayed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Sunday. Reporters were told to leave the church early for a nearby news conference with the mayor, but de Blasio left after the service and ignored questions as he hopped into an SUV.* White inmate says cell beatdown was reprisal for Garner, Brown(NYP)

The marching crowds, it is now clear, harbor extremist agitators who are determined to spark confrontations, if not worse. In midtown on Sunday, one group chanted, “What do we want? Dead cops!” while another chanted “Arms up, shoot back!” Chan and Sullivan saw a man identified as Eric Linsker about to hurl a garbage can onto cops or marchers one level down. Chan tried to arrest Linsker. Linsker resisted. A video shows Chan struggling with protesters, who pulled Linsker free, but not before Linsker threw a punch at Chan. One of the pack, a man wearing a mask, broke Chan’s nose with a punch. Meanwhile, the group set upon Sullivan, attempting to grab his radio. He was punched and kicked on the groud.* Sergeants Benevolent Association Blasts Mayor Bill DeBlasio After Attack On Cops(WCBS)* Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins defended rank-and-file union head Pat Lynch for posting a petition for cops to ask Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito to skip their funerals, the Observer reports * Organizers of the recent protests in New York City over the non-indictment of a police officer in the death of Eric Garner said they are scheduled to meet with Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday with a list of demands, the Times reports: * Even the prosecutors who presented evidence to the Eric Garner grand jury were stunned and disappointed when the panel didn't indict NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo, DNAinfo reports: 

de Blasio Loosies Minor Offense At Same Time In Federal Court to Stop the Sale of Illegal Cigarettes in NY

De Blasio quietly filed untaxed cig suit the week of Garner decision(NYP) Mayor de Blasio ordered city lawyers to stay silent about a groundbreaking lawsuit to keep bootleg cigarettes out of the Big Apple — because it came as Hizzoner was downplaying the illegal cigarette sales that led to the ill-fated police arrest of Eric Garner, The Post has learned. The city Law Department drafted the civil-racketeering suit the same week that a Staten Island grand jury did not indict NYPD cop Daniel Pantaleo in Eric Garner’s chokehold death, and it was quietly filed in Brooklyn federal court on Dec. 9. The Law Department drafted a press release boasting that the suit “is the first of its kind brought by the city against an out-of-state entity for supplying cigarette traffickers,” sources said. But City Hall suppressed the news, ordering the Law Department not to put out the release, according to the sources.* Smokes get in their eyes(NYP Ed) After the death of Eric Garner, the mayor said the crime police tried to arrest him for — selling “loosies,” or individual, untaxed cigarettes — is a “minor offense.” At the same time the mayor was making that claim to the public, he was making a different argument in federal court. As The Post reported Tuesday, the city was filing a ground-breaking civil racketeering suit against a Virginia company over the selling of illegal cigarettes in New York.

NYPD Protest Overtime NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton revealed Monday that New York City has spent a hefty $22.9 million in overtime for cops during the ongoing protests over police brutality, the Daily News reports:  Murder Cases On Hold Cops put homicide cases on hold to deal with protests(NYP)* How Much Does the NYPD Spend on Misdemeanor Arrests? Newsweek‎* recent protests = "significant drain on themanpower” — Bratton(Capital)

Officers Public Housing Eviction Tension  Officers walking a beat in the city’s housing projects are watching not only for offenses but also for behavior that is not illegal and citations can lead to evictions, The New York Times reports:

What the Flack NYT? Does the Elected Leadership of the City Get Any Blame? 

 Is NYT Cracking Up NY Times DividesNYPD and De Blasio Further, Accuses Cops of Engaging in 'Self-Pity' *  ‘Die-in’ by anti-cop brutality demonstrators planned at NewsCorp’s New Yorkoffices(NYDN) Daily News Attacks PBA Monday Also Hamill: NYPD copswho protested at funeral crossed the line of respect (NYDN)  When a small portion of the 23,000 cops attending Officer Rafael Ramos’ funeral turned their backs to the jumbo TV screen as Mayor de Blasio eulogized the fallen hero, those police protesters were just as disrespectful as those who marched against cops in Brooklyn. * NYPD work slowdown not official but 'understandable', saysunion president (Guardian) * Harry Siegel: Cops ditch mayor, leave us in the lurch(NYDN)

Murders Drop to a Record Low, but Officers Aren’t Celebrating(NYT) * The NYPD's 'WorkStoppage' Is Surreal (Rolling Stone)  In an alternate universe, the New York Police might have just solved the national community-policing controversy.More Phone Calls By Gov Staffs NYC Labor May Break With Police Union (Buzz Feed)  Labor has been silent so far about Patrick Lynch, the police union leader who is publicly campaigning against Mayor Bill de Blasio.@BuzzFeedBen the UFT has for years angered the PBA by joining cop protests after controversial cases.* Non-police unions in New York City have been quiet during the rift between Mayor Bill de Blasio and the top police unions, but could soon break with their union colleagues and publicly back the mayor, BuzzFeed reports:

Threats Continue Against NYPD, Protest Planned On the Day of the Funeral and Burial of Officer Ramos

Vile rant of ‘cop-killer wannabe': They should have killed two whites(NYP) * Eric Garner’s daughter posts address of cop present at his death(NYP) A daughter of Eric Garner, the Staten Island man who died after a police officer placed him in a chokehold this summer, on Christmas Day tweeted a link to a webpage with the address of one of the other officers present during the arrest and some of his family members, before deleting it * Slain cop’s families face Christmas without them(NYP) * City releases cop-killer’s body(NYP) * Officers’ murders an echo of the past for my ex-cop grandfather(NYP) Post police reporter Natasha Velez is the granddaughter of a former cop, Miguel Velez, who was once shot after identifying himself as a policeman.* Noerdlinger joins Sharpton in first appearance since scandal(NYP) * It’s the lawlessness(NYP Ed) New York City’s problem is not that we have people protesting. The problem is the nature of the protests.* Brooklyn man who threatened cops on Facebook: 'I wasdrunk and apologize' (NYDN)  Jose Maldonado, 26, turned himself in Wednesday after police launched an investigation into the comments he posted Monday night. 

Bob's (Face the Nation) Blog: New York City on edge as tensions boil over (CBS)

'Might just go out and kill two cops myself!!!' he allegedly wrote on Facebook. Maldonado was charged with making terroristic threats and is being held on Rikers Island in lieu of $25,000 bail.* * Police held a vigil on Christmas Day at the scene of the fatal shooting of NYPD officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, and some said they are feeling uneasy on the job in the aftermath of the assassinations, The New York Times reports:  * The funeral will take place at Christ Tabernacle Church in Glendale, Queens, which is where the wake is being held today.

 Prayers and Tears at Vigil for Slain Officers(NYT) * Uniformed officers – along with civilian New Yorkers – held a vigil at the makeshift memorial that sprang up on the Brooklyn street where Liu and Ramos were gunned down. All told, at least seven New Yorkers have been charged with making threats against police officers since the Dec. 20 killing of Ramos and Liu. One of Eric Garner’s daughters marked Christmas Day by spreading personal information about an NYPD cop who was present during the chokehold death of her father. She tweeted a link to a website with addresses for the officer and several of his family members, but then deleted the tweet. * Thousands gathering in New York City to remember the two officers who weremurdered last weekend. (Fox News)* Charity to pay offmortagaes for slain NYPD officers' families(NYDN) The Tunnels to Towers Foundation, named in memory of a former FDNY firefighter, committed to pay off the mortgages for the families of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos after they were shot and killed on duty in Brooklyn last Saturday.* A former New York City Department of Correction employee was busted with illegal guns, brass knuckles and a bulletproof vest after he was overheard talking about killing another police officer “before Christmas”, DNAinfo reports: * Officer Rafael “Ralph” Ramos, who was executed in Brooklyn last Saturday, would dress in a suit on Sundays and assume the role of usher at Christ Tabernacle in Queens, helping mothers with baby strollers, steering the elderly to the elevator and personifying the “little” in the self-described “big little church”, The Timeswrites:  * The roots of the feud between Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association began long before P.B.A. President Pat Lynch blamed the mayor's lenience toward recent protests for the slaying, Capital New York reports:  * Officials promotecharity push to cover slain officers' mortgages(Capital)*   Great story aboutOfficer Rafael Ramos: family man, man of faith, cop — and graffiti writer. (Daily Beast)* Mourners From All Corners of New York Pay Tribute to a Slain Officer(NYT) * Men in Blue, Bearing a Brother They Didn’t Know (NYT) Sixteen officers who have volunteered to serve as pallbearers at police funerals will be among those on hand when their slain colleague Rafael Ramos is laid to rest on Saturday * Two Officers Killed in Ambush Are Posthumously Promoted to Detectives (NYT) Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were lifted to the to the highest designation of detective in the Police Department, which will augment the benefits given to their families.


Massive Turnout at Wake

Thousands of cops gather for executed officer’s wake(NYP) * A massive crowd gathered at Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens for the wake of Officer Rafael Ramos, gunned down alongside Officer Wenjian Liu in Brooklyn, while the funeral is set for tomorrow at 10 a.m., the Daily News reports: *Such grief for two, extraordinary human beings and public servants.(NY1) * 'DEATH NOT IN VAIN': Rafael Ramos' son delivers moving eulogy as family, friends, cops and pols — including mayor at end of service — pay tribute to executed officer(NYDN)* My father was a manof character, he was a selfless man. He always went above and beyond for hisfamily." (NYDN) * Viewing Held for One of Two Officers Killed Last Week in Brooklyn(NY1) * Thousands Attend Wake for NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos at Queens Church (DNAINFO)* Donations Continue To Pour In, Mortgages Of Fallen NYPD Cops To Be Paid In Full(WCBS) * Mourners Gather For Wake Of Fallen NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos(WCBS) * 'His death will not be in vain,' says son of slain Police Officer Rafael Ramos, a Staten Island Academy alum(SI Advance) * Thousands prepare to say goodbye to slain NYPD officer Rafael Ramos(WPIX)* Viewing Held for One of Two Officers Killed Last Week in Brooklyn(NY1)* An EMT recalls aslain NYPD officer’s final moments: ‘I tried to get him to talk to me’( Wash Post)* Man ‘threatened’ to kill cops, families as revenge for Garner(NYP) * It was free speech!: Man who ‘threatened’ cops on cellphone(NYP) * Godspeed, Officer Ramos(NYP Ed) * Richard Cohen: Race poisons NYC’s cop conversation(NYDN)* JetBlue flew 730 cops from across the country to NY for thefuneral of a slain NYPD officer (NBC) * Full Honors, Thousands of Visiting Police for Slain Officer’s Funeral(WSJ) * Key developments in police-communities tension(WSJ) * Mayor, VP to speak at slain NYPD officer's funeral (WSJ) * "In danger of being called a racist": Police feelunder siege across USA (US Today) * Thousands mourn fallen NYPD officer at wake (WABC) * Mayor Bill de Blasio was right to push back on negative protest narrative (Wash Post)

Dependency = Admiration = Survival Road Show 

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton Expects LowTurnout at Pro-Cop Rally(NYO) * NYPD supporters face off against cop critics at rally(NYP)

56% Disapprove 

In the aftermath of the Eric Garner case, a Quinnipiac poll found 56 percent of New Yorkers disapprove of the job Mayor Bill de Blasio is doing on police-community ties, while only 36 percent approve, the Daily News reports: *  PBA President Pat Lynch told officers to use “extreme discretion,” in response to what he said was a lack of support from City Hall and Washington after the Eric Garner grand jury decision..* Lynch also said NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio “thinks he’s running a f@#$ing revolution,” and called a protest of the Garner decision by black congressional staffers “stupid S@#!.”* Probe after cop appears to beat boy during arrest(NYP)* The NYPD is telling officers to accept municipal IDs as a valid form of identification if they issue summonses or desk appearance tickets during stops, the Daily Newsreports:   * A plainclothes NYPD officer was caught on tape punching a 12-year-old black male during an arrest on assault charges, the Daily News reports: 

Thursday Update

Mayor de Blasio Finds Support in Handling of Protests, Poll Finds(NYP)

According to a survey by QuinnipiacUniversity, 60 percent of New Yorkers approve of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the protests over the Eric Garner decision. * Judge Sits Out Decision on Eric Garner Transcripts(NYT) Justice Stephen J. Rooney recused himself from ruling on releasing grand jury transcripts, because of his wife’s ties to the hospital where Eric Garner was taken.*Judge recuses himself from hearing on whether to release proceedings from grand jury that heard Eric Garner case(NYDN) * Police union chief tones downs critiques of de Blasio, urges mayor to have sit-down with cops(NYDN)* Former Gov. George Pataki thinks the NYPD is the best police department in the nation.

 De Blasio Fights For The Right To Mass Arrest PeacefulProtesters (Gothamist) Public helping cops track down protesters in NYPD attack(NYP) *Mark-Viverito preaches to cops about community relations(NYP)* We’re drivin’ here! Majority want protestors cleared from streets(NYP)* Scott’s grand $tand(NYP Ed) The Eric Garner case is bringing out the worst in city officials. The latest is Comptroller Scott Stringer, who’s practically tripping over himself to ensure he’s the guy who hands..* Cop union boss to members: de Blasio "thinks he'srunning a fucking revolution," cops should use "extremediscretion"  * At private meeting, union head tells officers to use ‘extreme discretion’(Capital)  ‘The rules are made by them to hurt you. Well now we’ll use those rules to protect us.’

The New Both Sides of Their Mouth Norm

NYPD Commish Defends de Blasio from Police Union Attacks’ (Mediaite) PD Commissioner Bill Bratton was asked about all this at his press conference today, and he scolded the DEA for its “cheap shot” at the mayor and the PBA for taking “a step too far” in trying to keep de Blasio from funerals. He defended de Blasio’s support of the NYPD and said it’s beyond the pale for any police representative to make such deeply personal attacks.  

$12,000 Reward NYPD announces $12K reward after protest attack on cops(NYP)* Reward Offered as Number of Suspects in Officer Assaults Grows (NY1) * Reward Offered as Number of Suspects in Officer Assaults Grows(NY1) * Here are the ‘alleged’ cop-bashers*NYP) Thought those anti-cop protesters were peaceful? Think again(NYP)  * 'PEOPLE ARE PISSED': Hundreds of cops sign 'Don't Insult My Sacrifice' form asking de Blasio to stay away from police funerals(NYDN) * Marilynn Johnson: Every 20 years, NYC forces police reform(NYDN)* Protest Organizers to Meet With New York Mayor(WSJ)

Multitasking NYPD Story On All Fronts

De Blasio offers different ‘View’ on cop criticism(NYP) Just because he cautioned his son to be “very careful” in encounters with cops doesn’t mean he doesn’t respect police, Mayor de Blasio said on “The View” Tuesday. The mayor said he had a conversation with son Dante at age 11 or 12. “We had to start saying to him something that’s really difficult for a parent to express,” de Blasio said. “The police are there to protect you. You have to respect the police . . . and yet there could be a misunderstanding because there’s been a history in this country.” * New York Protesters to Meet With Bill de Blasio(NYT) Justice League NYC, which has staged regular protests since a grand jury declined to indict an officer in the death of Eric Garner, has a list of demands for the mayor.* New York City Comptroller Seeks to Settle Claim by Eric Garner’s Family(NYT) The move by the comptroller, Scott M. Stringer, is part of his strategy to resolve major civil rights claims before lawsuits are formally filed.* HE’S THINKING OF A NUMBER: Controller Scott Stringer wants to settle with Eric Garner’s family over $75M damage claim, but their attorney warns it’s not so simple (NYDN) * POLICE CLAIM BRUTALITY: Cops seek seven protesters who attacked a pair of NYPD officers — breaking one of their noses — during rally on Brooklyn Bridge(NYDN) * Council Members, Clergy Hold Prayer March in Honor of Garner(NY1)

57 percent of New Yorkers want protesters to stop clogging streets

The same poll found 61 percent of voters support AG Eric Schneiderman’s call for his office to be given the power to handle cases in which unarmed civilians are killed by police.

Majority of New Yorkers Want Protesters to StopBlocking Traffic: Poll (NYO) The poll found 57 percent of New Yorkers want protesters, who have stopped traffic in the weeks since grand juries voted to not indict police officers in the deaths of black men in Staten Island and Ferguson, Mo., off the streets. Thirty-four percent say they should be allowed to block traffic. * A Quinnipiac poll shows that amid protests across the city over police conduct and tensions between de Blasio and police union leaders, most New Yorkers approve of the mayor’s position on the demonstrations, the NewYork Times reportsProtesters punchedthis good samaritan cop (Daily Beast) One was Detective Larry DePrimo, who became an Internet sensation after he came upon a shoeless panhandler in Times Square on a bitterly cold night in 2012. DePrimo asked the man his shoe size and headed for a Skecher’s store two blocks away. A tourist took a cell-phone video of the cop presenting the pandhandler with a brand-new, $100 pair of all-weather boots, along with thermal socks.* VIDEO: Protesters Brawl With #NYPD Officers On Brooklyn Bridge (Video)* Bill seeks to prohibit cops from using drones without a warrant (NYP)* The market for illegal loose cigarettes exists only because progressive tax and regulatory policies have created an opening by pushing the legal price for individual packs of cigarettes in New York City to $14 and higher, the Post writes: * The same poll found a majority of New York City residents support Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the post Garner decision protests that continue to roil in the streets and have caused tensions between his office and the NYPD unions.* That said, a majority of New Yorkers would like the protestors to stop blocking traffic.

Picture This Mayor Diversity   

The Real Diversity are the Men Who Have Occupied City Hall and the Way They Have Built A City That Aloud Wave After Wave of the Immigrants and Poor to Join the Middle Class, Not the Historical Pictures That Hang On Its Walls

David Dinkins, Afro-American (1990-1993); Ed Koch, Jewish (1978-1989); Jimmy Walker, Irish (1926-1932); Fiorello H. La Guardia, Italian (1934-1945); John Lindsay, Protestant (1966-1973); Robert Wagner, Catholic (1954-1965); Seth Low, Episcopalian (1902-1904)  . . .  Note while no Latino has been mayor, the man who came the closest was Herman Badillo, whose funeral the mayor did not attend last week.   De Blasio wants to revamp the art collection at City Hall(NYP) Move over, George Washington!  Mayor de Blasio wants to revamp the art collection at City Hall to spice up the mostly vanilla collection of portraits of historically prominent white men.  “The Mayor and First Lady believe the art at City Hall should reflect the vibrant diversity of New York City, and discussions on how to update the building’s collection to celebrate that diversity are underway,” Mayoral spokeswoman Marti Adams said Friday. 

Should A Mayor Elected With Less Then 15% Of New Yorkers Votes Control  History

Were is the Outrage?

Sunday Update Former city design head blasts mayor’s plan to remove portraits(NYP) Mayor de Blasio’s off-the-wall plan to take down the City Hall portraits of white historical figures is not only dumb, it’s also “condescending’’ to minorities, a former city official said Saturday. “The premise is stupid,’’ said Michele Bogart, an ex-vice president of the Public Design Commission, which overseas the portrait collection. “You take down the dead white men because they represent something you don’t like in history instead of the portraits being a point of conversation. Use it as a teaching tool.’’ De Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, want to banish the portraits of former mayors, presidents and military heroes — some by famous artists — to make way for art that “celebrates’’ the city’s “diversity.’’“I don’t think it’s appropriate for the mayor to be bashing the previous mayor through the portrait collection,’’ Bogart said. Modal Trigger Michele Bogart is now a professor at Stony Brook University. “It’s not a political football. It was not conserved to make a political statement.” She noted, “Black historians agree with me,’’ adding, “It’s fine to add diversity, maybe commission new pieces, but don’t remove what’s already there. “The way they want them removed it assumes that blacks and Hispanics somehow can’t handle learning about people from the past. It’s dumbing down history and it’s condescending.*De Blasio wants to change historic City Hall paintings to reflect 'vibrant diversity' of NYC(NYDN)

deB Boots O'Reilly Guy Out of Press Conference . . .  Builds Bigger Fence With Permits 

Monday Update * City shelled out $30K for Gracie Mansion fence(NYP)
Sunday Update No public tours at Gracie Mansion since de Blasio moved in(NYP)The mayor’s need for seclusion is a far cry from when Mayor Rudy Giuliani lived there with his family. Back then, public tours were available every Wednesday and Thursday morning, according to 2001 press reports.

Saturday UpdateDe Blasio never got permits for new Gracie Mansion fence(NYP) Mayor de Blasio failed to secure the proper permits to build his “privacy fence” around Gracie Mansion — and the Parks Department is now scrambling to file the paperwork after the fact, City Hall officials admitted Friday.* Fence at Gracie Mansion Now Taller Than de Blasio(NYT)

Defensive de Blasio builds taller fence at Gracie Mansion(NYP) Mayor de Blasio, a self-declared progressive “man of the people,” has erected a massive new “privacy fence” to keep his constituents from looking in on Gracie Mansion. The new fence — constructed just inside an existing red brick wall and a wrought-iron fence ringing the historic property — was actually dubbed a “privacy fence” by de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray, sources told The Post. * Fox News correspondent booted from Mayor de Blasio presser(NYDN)A correspondent on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" was escorted out of a Mayor de Blasio press conference in the Bronx Thursday.  Jesse Watters was asked to leave after pestering the mayor to appear on the prime time show, which is hosted by de Blasio critic Bill O'Reilly.* Bill O’Reilly ambush man Jesse Watters confronts de Blasio(Capital)* Bill de Blasio,'mayor of the people,' builds higher privacy fence around home 

de Blasio's Transparency, FOILS and Keeping Out the Press

Widows Speak to Police Protests 

Families of fallen cops band together amid protests(NYP) Widows and children of hero cops killed in the line of duty say this picture — taken Saturday night — is their answer to cop-bashing agitators who take to the streets to disparage the men and women who put their lives on the line every day for New Yorkers. It was taken Saturday night at the annual Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Christmas party at Michael Jordan’s Steak House for the families of the Finest who died in action. One widow said the survivors were tremendously upset about the seemingly never ending marches and demonstrations by cop haters. “We wanted to take this picture to show the protestors that our loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the city — and allow the demonstrators to exercise their right to march.’’

Sunday Update ‘WE HAVE TO DRAW THE LINE’: Two NYPD lieutenants assaulted as protesters clash with police during march over Eric Garner case(NYDN) * Thousands march on Washington for protest against police killings of unarmed black men(NYDN)* Protesters Rally Against Police Brutality in DC and NYC(NY1) * The Man whoassaulted 2 high ranking cops left this backpack behind him * ‘WE HAVE TO DRAW THE LINE’: Two NYPD lieutenants assaulted as protesters clash with police during march over Eric Garner case(NYDN)* UPDATED: Professor Arrested For Assaulting Two NYPDLieutenants On Brooklyn Bridge(Jewish Press)* NYPD: ‘This is where we have to draw the line’(Capital)* Police have arrested2 men for alleged misconduct during yesterday's rally after 2 officers wound upin hospital.  * Protester Arrestedfor Allegedly Assaulting Cops on the BrooklynBridge (NY Mag)

UFT Sends Members to Sharpton Washington Rally to Protest Killer Cops 

Saturday Update Sharpton struggles to find marchers for DC protest(NYP) The Rev. Al Sharpton is keeping expectations low for Saturday’s National March Against Police Violence — predicting that only “several thousand” protesters will gather along Washington’s Pennsylvania Avenue. “We have over 100 buses coming from New York alone, but I’m not giving out numbers,” Sharpton told The Post Friday night. The permit is for just 5,000 protesters, a National Parks Service spokesperson said Friday.* All the Rev’s enablers(NYP Ed)*Protesters rage against police brutality(NYP) *25,000 March in New York to Protest Police Violence(NYT)* Police issue warningafter 2 officers assaulted amid massive protests in Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan  *UNITED IN LOSS: Grieving mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner give first joint interview(NYDN)

YOU'RE DEAD TO US! Patrolmen's group tells de Blasio, Mark-Viverito to 'stay home if NYPD cop dies on duty' over pols' 'consistent' lack of respect toward officers(NYDN)* Rev. Al Sharpton, families of black men killed by cops to lead ‘Justice For All’ rally in Washington, D.C.(NYDN) * Patrolmen's Benevolent Association takes cheap shot at Mayor de Blasio with 'Don't Insult My Sacrifice' form: political science professor(NYDN) * Eric Garner grand jury evidence could still be released: Public Advocate Letitia James(NYDN) * Mayor de Blasio wants to change historic City Hall paintings(NYDN)* Morbidlypolitical (NYDN Ed) The PBA takes the low road in its latest attack on Mayor de Blasio* How Fergusonand Eric Garner show the political power of hip-hop.(Wash Post)

Faces, and Forces, Behind New York City Protests(WSJ) The thousands in New York who have protested the recent grand jury decisions not to indict white police officers in the deaths of unarmed black men cut a wide swath.* Eric Garner’s Family, Protesters Visit Staten Island Arrest Site(WSJ)* Garner Family Hopes Continued Pressure Will Lead to Policing Changes(NY1)* Concerns Raised Over Shrill Device New York Police Used During Garner Protests(NYT) Three lawyers sent a letter asking that the beeping from long-range acoustic devices, called a deterrent function, not be used until the police had fully tested it.

Lesson not learned as UFT again throws support behind Sharpton anti-cop rally (NYP) The UFT plans to send busloads of protesters to the Rev. Al Sharpton’s anti-cop rally in Washington, DC, this weekend — despite the fury it sparked by co-sponsoring a similar march over the summer. “We can’t stop them from supporting Al Sharpton and the anti-cop brigade. It’s the Useless Federation of Teachers,” one outraged teacher told The Post. In August, scores of city teachers — including many married to NYPD cops — blasted the UFT on its own Facebook page for supporting a Sharpton-led demonstration on Staten Island.* A teaching moment(NYP Ed) *The union’s decision to support Sharpton over the police repeats the similar support it gave a Sharpton-led march in Staten Island after Garner’s death in August.* Daughter of Eric Garner holds 'die-in' on same sidewalk her father was put in fatal chokehold — 'I felt his spirit when I was walking down to the spot'(NYDN)

Sharpton CCRB vs NYPD, Noerdlinger, McCray, de Blasio

Pro Cop Rally Also  

NYPD supporters planning pro-cop rally at City Hall(NYP) NYPD supporters are planning a “Pro-Cop Rally” at City Hall next week to counter ongoing anti-cop protests — and could wind up squaring off against activists hellbent on disrupting the event. The Dec. 19 demonstration was announced on the “Thank you NYPD” Facebook page, where it scored 3,000-plus “Likes” by Thursday evening and more than 235 people had signed up to attend. The city resident behind the Facebook page — created in August amid mounting controversy over Eric Garner’s death while resisting arrest — said the rally was proposed by many of the page’s 14,000-plus followers.* Piling on the police(NYP Ed) Here in New York, the week began with City Council members holding a “die-in” and then blocking traffic to protest a grand jury’s decision not to indict a cop for the death of Eric Garner. Now the council has asked for an investigation of how allegations of police abuse are handled. In Albany, Senate Democrats announced a bill for a new office to review cases of killings by cops. The day before, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman demanded prosecutorial power over such cases. 

The Assembly has long sought special investigators for cops. Not to be left out, Gov. Cuomo is reviewing his options.Meanwhile, US Attorney General Eric Holder, who’s probing the Garner case, may impose his own “reforms” on the NYPD — as he’s done in 15 other cities. All this would add to the existing oversight — by the NYPD’s new inspector general, by the monitor ordered last year by a federal judge, by a newly energized Civilian Complaint Review Board, by five district attorneys and by an army of private lawyers eager to sue. 

The Cops Have Had It With de Blasio 

 Congressional staffers walk out, protesting Garner &Brown decisions(NBC)* "More than halfsaid that New York was as safe as it was a year ago, before Mr. de Blasiobecame mayor." (NYT) From all this you’d think the NYPD is the most abusive, deadly force on the planet. The opposite is true: A 2013 study shows New York has fewer shootings (and fatalities) per capita by cops than Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Baltimore,Washington or Philly. Another report, out this week, shows that 2013 saw the fewest police shootings in recent memory — 81. Back in 1995, there were 345. * Police officers to mayor: Don’t attend my funeral(Capital) 

Police officers to mayor: Don’t attend my funeral(NYO) Grand Jury Poll Some 65 percent of New Yorkers believe a Staten Island grand jury should have indicted a white police officer in the death of Eric Garner, a black man, according to a new Siena College/New York Times poll, the Observer reports: * The poll found 48 percent of New York City residents think race relations are generally bad in the city and more than half—blacks and whites alike—say the city is headed in the wrong direction, the New York Timesreports: * Police union asks NYC mayor not to attend funerals for NYPDofficers (NBC) 

More on the Brooklyn DA

The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association is asking rank-and-file cops to tell NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito to stay away from their funerals if they’re killed in the line of duty.* Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson blasted a request to appoint a special prosecutor in Eric Garner-like cases as “unworkable,” the Observer reports: * The labor-backed Working Families Party is backing state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s request for the power to investigate and prosecute unarmed civilian deaths at the hands of police officers, State of Politics reports * Morbidly political (NYDN Ed) The PBA takes the low road in its latest attack on Mayor de Blasio * YOU'RE DEAD TO US! Patrolmen's group tells de Blasio, Mark-Viverito to 'stay home if NYPD cop dies on duty' over pols' 'consistent' lack of respect toward officers * Cops to de Blasio: Stay away from our funerals(NYP)

Sharpton CCRB vsNYPD, Noerdlinger, McCray, de Blasio

Did NYC's Revolution Take 60 Years? 

De Blasio ‘thinks he’s running a f–king revolution’: PBA chief(NYP) “He is not running the City of New York. He thinks he’s running a f- -king revolution,” said Lynch, head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, during the private gathering in Queens last Friday. Lynch, who was secretly recorded, also all but ordered a rule-book slowdown, according to the seven-minute tape obtained by Capital New York. “If we won’t get support when we do our jobs . . . then we’re going to do it the way they want it,” Lynch said. “Let me be perfectly clear: We will use extreme discretion in every encounter.” Through a spokesman, New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch defended his comments at a recent gather where he said Mayor de Blasio thinks he is “running a f---ing revolution” and not the city of New York.

The Tin Ear of Pro Cop Protesters Last Night

 The Times applauds Mayor de Blasio and SpeakerMark-Viverito for respecting the peaceful protests in the aftermath of the Eric Garner grand jury decision, and decries the fringe elements who have attacked police officers while also suggesting PBA President Patrick Lynch’s rhetoric has been equally abhorrent: * The Daily News blasts Lynch for saying officers willprovide courtesy for “friends” and “extreme discretion” for enemies, arguing that the heated language suggests two standards in a city that counts on police for equal protection:* Sienapoll finds New Yorkers back giving AG power to investigate police brutalitycases.  * Editorial: Who’s the enemy, Pat? (NYDN Ed) Apparently believing his own angry, divisive rhetoric hasn’t done the trick, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch has moved into calling on cops to split New York into their friends and their enemies.* Read @CommissBratton & George Kelling's defense of #BrokenWindows policing in the @WSJ http://on.wsj.com/1x50FDE  * New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio held a closed-door meeting with protesters in the wake of the non-indictment in the Garner case and said he agreed with some but not all of their demands, the Daily News writes: * Collision on Broadway:Eric Garner and Pro-Cop Protesters Clash Near City Hall (NYO)* NYPD commissioner Bill Bratton told police officers that unrest and debate about the criminal justice system are "not just about us” but are about "societal issues" like inequality and poverty, Capital New York reports:

Second suspect in cop-bashing hit with charges(NYP) A second suspect in last week’s cop assault on the Brooklyn Bridge has been arrested and hit with three charges, police said Friday. Maria Garcia, 36 – or “Female Suspect No. 1”...* Vandal who wrote ‘NYPD KILLS’ on NYC bridge sought (NYP) * In New York, Public’s Video Helps Police, for a Change(NYT) Amateur video of a scuffle between protesters and two police lieutenants on the Brooklyn Bridge set off a weeklong search for seven people who the police say assaulted the lieutenants.* Hundreds of Protesters Snarl Brooklyn-Bound Traffic on Manhattan Bridge(NYT)  New York City sought to reroute drivers to avoid delays from a rally supporting the police and one objecting to grand jury decisions in the deaths of unarmed blacks.

BUSTED: ‘Female Suspect #1’ arrested in assault on cops as NYPD supporters in ‘I CAN BREATHE’ hoodies face off with protesters over Eric Garner case(NYDN)* WALKING A FINE LINE: De Blasio meets with protesters, NYPD cops just hours apart(NYDN)* Mayor de Blasio meets with Eric Garner protesters(NYDN) * Editorial: De Blasio and Bratton say yes to broken windows(NYDN Ed) * Editorial: CUNY cop puncher gets off easy(NYDN) * The High-PricedUnion Rep Charged With Attacking a Cop (Daily Beast) Robert Murray, an SEIU organizing coordinator, has been charged for Saturday night’s assault on police officers on the Brooklyn Bridge. A protester who has been charged with assaulting a New York police officer was making six-figures working for one the country’s largest unions, The Daily Beast has learned.

Saturday Updates 

First Lady Chirlane McCray Hires New Chief of Staff(NY1) *  First Lady Chirlane McCray announces new team to replaceRachel Noerdlinger(NYDN) Roxanne John, 47, who currently serves as executive director of Gracie Mansion, will add “chief of staff” to her current duties. She will also boost her salary from $175,000 to $200,000, City Hall said.  McCray also hired a deputy chief of staff, who will work out of City Hall. That post will be filled by a new hire, Jackie Bray, who will be paid $125,000.* Mayor’s Wife Names New Chief of Staff(WSJ)* Will politicians heed Cardinal Dolan’s words?(NYP Ed) It will be supremely difficult for police officers to do so while the mayor continues to dismiss their sentiments as “histrionics” and their recent expression of them as a “stunt.” As His Eminence correctly noted, the outrage that police officers feel is partially a response to the “intemperate stereotyping” of police officers as abusive and racist.

Pro-Police Rally Clashes With Protest to 'Shut Down NYPD' at City Hall (WSJ) * OFFICER IDENTIFIED: NYPD cop suspended after being caught on camera punching youth while he was being cuffed by three others — SEE THE VIDEO(NYP)* Editorial: Pat Lynch, who's the enemy in your NYPD war?(NYDN)* Mayor Meets Protesters, but Police Conduct Protests Go On(WSJ)  Seeking to calm protests calling for wholesale changes to law-enforcement policies, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio met with some of the movement’s organizers on Friday.* Two More Protesters Arrested in Connection With Attack on Lieutenants(NY1) * Former Mayor Giuliani Criticizes NYC Response to Protests(WSJ)* Protesters shut down brooklyn bridge and manhattan bridge to return to city hall to and #ThanksNYPD rally #ShutItDown * Pro-Cop Rally Clashes With #BlackLivesMatter: "Get AJob!" (Gothamist) * BREAKING: 4th Bridge Person In Custody  Police saya 4th person is in custody in connection with last week's attack on twolieutenants.(NY1)

 NYPD, CommissionerBratton, Chokehold and Garner's Death

Sharpton CCRB vsNYPD, Noerdlinger, McCray, de Blasio

Protests Triggered Examination and Power Struggle With Police Commissioners and Prosecutors  

Feds May Not Solve Police Shooting Problem

Given the federal government’s history in New York City of refusing to intervene after multiple deaths of unarmed citizens at the hands of the police, the public should be wary of placing their hope for justice with the feds, op-ed contributor LeonardLevitt writes in am New York: 

* What it’s Like to beBlack In the NYPD Right Now (Marshal Report)

Protests Triggered Examination and Power Struggle With Police Commissioners and Prosecutors  

Feds May Not Solve Police Shooting Problem

Given the federal government’s history in New York City of refusing to intervene after multiple deaths of unarmed citizens at the hands of the police, the public should be wary of placing their hope for justice with the feds, op-ed contributor LeonardLevitt writes in am New York: 

* What it’s Like to beBlack In the NYPD Right Now (Marshal Report)

Protests Triggered Examination and Power Struggle With Police Commissioners and Prosecutors  

Feds May Not Solve Police Shooting Problem

Given the federal government’s history in New York City of refusing to intervene after multiple deaths of unarmed citizens at the hands of the police, the public should be wary of placing their hope for justice with the feds, op-ed contributor LeonardLevitt writes in am New York: 

* What it’s Like to beBlack In the NYPD Right Now (Marshal Report)