Backlog of cases against cops being addressed

On June 4, Sunday Newsday reported exclusively that there was a backlog of more than 6,000 complaints against police officers at the Police Complaints Division because of a severe staff shortage. That backlog dates back to 1998.

Assistant Police Commissioner Dennis Graham said officers assigned to cases have been submitting files and he is confident the complaints will all be dealt with expeditiously. He said every attempt is being made to ensure that reports against police officers are investigated.

Among the serious complaints against police officers are allegations of brutality, claims of drugs and weapons being planted on persons, discreditable conduct, failure to attend court, insubordination, reporting late for duty and absence from duty without leave.

There are only about 20 officers at the Police Complaints Division to probe thousands of complaints. Recently, 40 additional officers were assigned to the Division.