[City of New York] Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association boss Pat Lynch slashed the maximum number of cards that could be issued to current cops from 30 to 20, and to retirees from 20 to 10, sources told The Post.
The cards are often used to wiggle out of minor trouble such as speeding tickets, the theory being that presenting one suggests you know someone in the NYPD.
The rank and file is livid.
“They are treating active members like s–t, and retired members even worse than s–t,” griped an NYPD cop who retired on disability. “All the cops I spoke to were . . . very disappointed they couldn’t hand them out as Christmas gifts.”
Source: NYPost
The cards, issued for various states and agencies -- such as the DEA -- are available for purchase on eBay for around $100.
(Score: 3, Informative) by nobu_the_bard on Tuesday January 23 2018, @04:00PM (4 children)
They are not "Get Out of Jail Free" cards as near as I can tell, none of the things they help with involve jail time.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 23 2018, @04:26PM (3 children)
Things may not be recorded as a criminal charge if the cop sees that someone is buddies with Jim from the 54th precinct.
(Score: 4, Funny) by looorg on Tuesday January 23 2018, @04:31PM (2 children)
Still there is probably a big difference in crime here -- minor speeding or a parking violation. Sure they can probably ignore that if you have a card and just give you some kind of verbal warning instead. If they find you standing all covered in blood looking over a corpse with an axe in your hand. Then probably not so much -- oh I see you know Jimmy at the 54th, have a nice day sir.
(Score: 2) by requerdanos on Tuesday January 23 2018, @05:35PM
But, "Well, your field sobriety test was pretty poor, perhaps I need you to blow into---oh, Jim, yeah, I know Jim. Listen, drive safe, now."
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 23 2018, @06:10PM
"What happened?"
"Well, I saw that guy over there with an axe in his body. I wanted to help him and removed the axe. Unfortunately it didn't help, he died anyway. I just got my clothes ruined from all the blood he spilled. And all that only because I wanted to help."
"Oh, that doesn't sound convincing. Maybe you should come with us."
"Do you happen to be from the 54th? Because I know Jimmy there; he'll surely tell you that I would never do anything illegal. Here's his card, BTW."
"Oh, you're a friend of Jimmy. Well, then …"