NYPD implements subway overtime cuts amid sexual misconduct allegations against former top cop.
At a Glance
- NYPD reduces subway overtime hours for officers by half, effective January 1
- Former NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey faces allegations of granting overtime for sexual favors
- Federal and city investigations are ongoing, with the FBI and Manhattan DA involved
- Mayor Adams addresses excessive overtime spending in uniformed services
- Overtime spending in the NYPD exceeded $1 billion in the last fiscal year
NYPD Implements Subway Overtime Cuts
The New York Police Department has implemented significant changes to its subway policing strategy, cutting overtime hours for officers by half as of January 1. This move comes amid ongoing concerns about subway safety and a recent surge in violent crimes. Detectives are now limited to 40 hours of overtime per month and no more than two transit details, according to department officials.
“No more than two transit details,” one longtime cop said, highlighting the impact of these new restrictions on police presence in the subway system.
The NYPD stated that these changes are being implemented “to ensure all overtime is administered appropriately and to maintain honor and integrity throughout the NYPD.” However, this decision has raised questions about the potential impact on subway security efforts, especially given the recent uptick in violent incidents.
The overtime cuts come in the wake of a scandal involving former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. Allegations have surfaced that Maddrey granted overtime for sexual favors, leading to his resignation and triggering multiple investigations. Lt. Quathisha Epps filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Office, alleging sexual extortion by Maddrey starting in June 2023.
“These are extremely serious and disturbing claims that allegedly occurred at N.Y.P.D. headquarters in Manhattan,” a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.
Alvin Bragg pretending to care about the city, there…
Maddrey’s lawyer has denied the allegations, claiming the relationship with Epps was consensual. The case has sparked a joint investigation involving the U.S. Attorney’s office, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and the city’s Department of Investigation.
The scandal has brought to light broader issues of overtime abuse within the NYPD. Epps, who filed the complaint against Maddrey, was the department’s top earner last year, with $400,000 in total earnings, including $204,000 from overtime. This case has led to scrutiny of other high-earning officers and allegations of manipulation in overtime reporting.
The financial implications of these practices are significant. Overtime spending in the NYPD exceeded $1 billion in the last fiscal year, prompting Mayor Adams to address excessive overtime spending not only in the NYPD but also in other city departments such as the FDNY, Department of Corrections, and Department of Sanitation.
“Controlling the use of overtime, including paid compensatory time, shall be the direct responsibility of each agency’s commissioner,” Mayor Adams said, addressing the need for stricter oversight.
