(Image souce: New York Daily News)

BY LEXA DECKERT
 

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After a three year investigation, 16 New York Police officers are indicted for ticket fixing.


“More than a dozen New York City police officers appeared in court to plead not guilty to corruption charges in a massive ticket fixing investigation. Outside the courthouse there was quite a scene. Hundreds of their fellow NYPD members rallied to show their support. Prosecutors say the accused officers abused their authority by helping family members and friends avoid paying traffic tickets.

Supporters do not dispute the charges but insist the cops did nothing wrong. The New York Daily News has Police Benevolent Association president, Patrick Lynch speaking out about the practice, which is considered a professional courtesy.

“What we are here for today is the fact that a courtesy has turned into a crime and that’s wrong... A former chief of patrol said that it’s been going on for his long 35 year career and 135 years before that. Taking care of your family, taking care of your friends, taking care of those who support New York city police officers and law enforcement is not a crime.”


But the New York Post reports that the police don’t have everyone’s support. They interviewed several Bronx residents outside the courthouse.

MAN 1: “If they can fix their ticket, they should fix my ticket. Help me out somebody! Fix my ticket!”
MAN 2: “Fix my ticket!” (FLASH)
MAN 3: “The laws apply to me just as well as they apply to you. Just because you have a uniform, it doesn’t matter.”
WOMAN: “They should get the full extent, they should get trailed and convicted for their crime, just like if we were to get caught for a crime and convicted for a crime. That’s what should happen to them.


The New York Times reports back and forth between police and members of the public outside the courthouse got heated. In response to the chants of “Fix my ticket,” the officers chanted “E.B.T” back at the crowd, referencing the electronic system used for welfare checks.
The paper reports the case, and the officers’ responses, aren’t helping endear the force to the public.

“The case, troubling to many New Yorkers because of its implication that the police officers believed they deserved special treatment, is expected to have long tentacles. … The outpouring of angry officers at the courthouse … raises unsettling questions about the current mind-set of the police force.”
 

The Bronx district attorney's office said the ticket-fixing probably cost the city up to $2 million in revenue over the course of the three-year investigation.

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