New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea released the following statement on Jun. 15, 2020.

 

“Today I have an update on a troubling incident involving a member of the department that occurred during recent demonstration activity. We are sharing an update as part of our efforts at greater transparency.

 

On June 1, 2020 in Manhattan, an officer discharged mace at a group of bystanders. IAB [Internal Affairs Bureau] conducted an investigation and this Probationary Police Officer has been suspended without pay. This case has been referred to the Department Advocate for disciplinary action.

 

There are other matters that we are actively investigating and we will continue to be transparent as the process continues. Trust is critical to effective policing. Trust takes a long time to earn and it is very easy to lose. We will continue to work relentlessly to earn and keep that trust because without community partnership, we cannot effectively do our jobs.”

 

According to its website, the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) is dedicated to preserving integrity, which is critical to the function of the Police Department, and fighting corruption within the NYPD. The website details that the department cannot successfully serve the public without maintaining the public’s trust, and that IAB helps to ensure that trust by detecting, investigating, and bringing to justice New York City police officers and civilians who engage in misconduct and corruption.

 

IAB operates its Command Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bureau can receive complaints from the public and NYPD service members by telephone, email, and mail. Allegations of corruption can also be reported in person at any NYPD facility. Individuals who file a complaint, can check on the status of their complaint by contacting the Internal Affairs Bureau. The department also maintains a non-recorded anonymous tip-line.