MARISKA HARGITAY, CHRISTOPHER MELONI AND ICE-T HAVE NYPD SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT WELL IN HAND

NYPD responds to scathing Inspector General report

By Tina Moore and Joe Tacopino

New York Post
June 26, 2018

The NYPD released a response to a scathing Inspector General’s report on Tuesday, stating that they were working to “strengthen and bolster” the Special Victim’s Division while taking issue with some the IGs findings.

“Rape and sexual assault are among the most traumatic and horrific crimes someone could ever experience,” Commissioner James P. O’Neill said in a statement.

“The NYPD is deeply committed to doing everything we can to not only apprehend offenders and stop assaults, but to ensure every survivor feels the safety and support they need from our Department to come forward and bravely seek justice.”

The NYPD response highlighted a top-to-bottom review of SVD as part of a reorganization of the Detective Bureau.

Also, all felony sexual assault cases in which arrests are made by patrol personnel will be handled by SVD investigators rather than the precinct detective squad.

“The NYPD will continue to work closely and collaboratively with sexual assault victim advocates and national experts to improve our work,” O’Neill said.

“I thank the Inspector General for taking the time to review this issue and make recommendations. Together, we will make continued strides to best serve survivors in New York City.”

The IG report, released in March, said that the Special Victims Division is understaffed and under-trained.

The NYPD response, however, took issue with the IG stance on it’s personnel.

“Investigators in SVD squads are dedicated, compassionate professionals,” the NYPD said.

“NYPD SVD investigators are among the best-trained sex crimes investigators in the world.”

The Department of Investigation said in a statement Tuesday that “internal NYPD documents state that staffing is not adequate.”

The department added that it remains “committed to its findings that critical reforms in the NYPD are integral to protecting victims of sex abuse and assault.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: “NYPD SVD investigators are among the best-trained sex crimes investigators in the world.” But NYPD failed to give any credit to Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni and Ice-T. Ungrateful bastards!