This letter was received from a wife of a P.O., commenting on our story NYPD Now Allowed to do Private Security:
"Your commentary hit the mark!!! My husband can barely stay awake between steady midnight tours and watching our son during the day in order for me to work full time. I wonder how many LI officers' wives have to do that to pay the mortgage? NYC has some set promoting uniformed shifts off-duty. Perhaps a bullseye vest would be more appropriate?"
Another wife writes about the same article:
"I've been the wife of the best officer the department's ever had for eight years...and have a unique perspective on what the Job does to people. My husband (was seriously injuried) last year on duty and is looking forward to retirement mostly due to the current political climate. Between the ccrb swaying back and forth like the wind and the possible 48 hr rule loss a person would have to be certifiable to sign up now! There's nothing worse than a bunch of civilians getting together and deciding what is and isn't proper procedure especially with a political agenda. Mr.Mayor for instance. At least Bratton had what it took to stand up to that two-faced "crime fighting machine"! Like he's (Giuliani) ever had to take someone down!"
These are sad letters. But Prosay is glade to see that, at least, the spouses of police officers clearly see the "current political climate" for what it is.
Another reader, who identified himself by rank as an NYPD Superior Officer, comments on the truth of Police Review's theme of police officers as political pawns:
The writer goes on to comment on the recent cop killing in Brooklyn, where the dead officer (according to press reports attributed to his partner) attempted to actually talk the armed perp (armed with the other cops gun) out of the confrontation:"I find your editorials insightful...(I)t is very disconcerting to see how the cops even in NY county, are being victimized by the DA Morganthau. It only takes one bad piece of press and a cop becomes the hunted."
Very true statement! As Prosay remembers it, the conversation between the officer and the perp went something like, "Let's not make a big deal about this..." and, "Let's talk about this..." The officer was forced, obviously out of fear of political ramifications, to negotiate with an armed felon, with an outstanding warrant, pointing a gun at him! Politics forced this officer to react, not as he was trained (or as common sense would allow him to), but as a fearful political pawn."Would Tony Mossimillo (forgive spelling) be alive today if he didn't think twice about shooting the bastard who killed him(?)"
A Sergeant records his feelings:
"Its about time that someone wrote about these things. I have believed for several years now that we are political pawns. Police Officers now have to think of themselves and their families as well as their partners because the politicians don t care at all. The CCRB is not evenhanded and the newspapers write only the bad. We are the best police force in the world but we have the lowest morale. How Sad. Please keep my name anonymous as I fear the repercussions of the job. Thanks"Repercussions Sarge? How can you say that? Why, Detective John Wrynn gave up an undercover to the mob, and never felt any "repercussions"...why should you for just voicing your very valid opinon?
