"New York City paid an eye-popping $117 million in payouts in 2025 to settle NYPD misconduct claims, the Legal Aid Society said Monday. The non-profit legal services organization determined that figure based on an analysis of city data; since 2019, the society noted, New York City taxpayers have shelled out more than $796 million to resolve similar claims."
"When meaningful accountability is absent, it reinforces a culture of impunity within the NYPD and further erodes trust among the communities the Department is meant to protect and serve."
"The Legal Aid Society used one case as an example, dating back to May 8, 2023, when they say Shakim McKnight was documenting police activity and was slammed to the ground. The lawsuit alleged that cops placed their knees on his back, twisted his ankle, and applied excessively tight handcuffs despite complaints of pain."
New York City taxpayers paid $117 million in 2025 to settle NYPD misconduct claims, according to analysis by the Legal Aid Society. Since 2019, the city has paid over $796 million to resolve similar claims. The Legal Aid Society argues that this pattern of payouts reflects a culture of impunity within the NYPD and erodes community trust. The organization cited a specific case from May 2023 involving Shakim McKnight, who was allegedly slammed to the ground by officers, had knees placed on his back, and was detained for eight hours before charges were dismissed. The case settled for $250,000 in October 2025. These substantial misconduct payouts occur as Mayor Zohran Mamdani addresses a projected $5.4 billion city budget deficit.
Read at www.amny.com
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