The NYPD changes the way it investigates complaints of sexual harassment by officers

The New York Police Department is implementing significant changes in its procedures for handling complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination from within its ranks, WABC informs.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch will now directly oversee all allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination.

The investigative division of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, responsible for examining employment and harassment claims, has been placed under Tisch's direct authority this week.

Wendy Garcia, formerly the deputy commissioner for Equity and Inclusion, has been reassigned to the Department of Corrections.

Although the NYPD claims there is no connection, this restructuring follows a revealing whistleblower interview with retired NYPD Lt. Quathisha Epps. Epps alleged she experienced sexual harassment and abuse by former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and had no recourse.

Epps stated that during the alleged harassment period, she regularly attended high-level meetings, and Internal Affairs and the Office of Equity and Inclusion reportedly directed harassment claims to Maddrey.

Epps's accusations suggest a potential conflict of interest where those responsible for addressing complaints were reporting directly to the alleged perpetrator.

This departmental restructuring marks the second major change since Epps filed an EEOC complaint last year, accusing Maddrey of quid pro quo sexual harassment.

In December, the chief of Internal Affairs resigned, and numerous high-ranking officials were reassigned. Epps stated that Garcia contacted her after she filed her complaint, but she refused to speak with her.

Garcia has not been accused of any misconduct, and Maddrey has vehemently denied all allegations.




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