Fox in the Law Enforcement Hen House
Ex-NYPD Chief Joe Fox Faces Criticism for Targeting Police in CCRB Role
By Frankie Pressman and M. Thomas Nast with Richard Luthmann
The NYPD, New York City's world-class police force, has faced challenges since Mayor Bill de Blasio's previous tenure, particularly in recruitment. Current Mayor Eric Adams has aimed to improve NYPD morale, including redirecting budget funds from patronage giveaways and towards proper equipment like bulletproof vests and other protections for police and other first responders. These efforts are not controversial.
“The least we can do is help protect them so they, too, can get home safe to their families,” said NYC Council Minority Leader Borelli.
Despite these efforts, crime rates in the City have worsened, putting NYPD officers at greater risk than at any time in recent memory. Adding to the difficulty, local politicians have passed legislation, including no-cash bail, that leads to the “revolving door” release of criminals.
In March, NYPD officer Jonathan Diller was shot while conducting a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. He was subsequently transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he died due to his injuries. The alleged cop-killer, Guy Rivera, was shot on the scene by Diller's partner and hospitalized. He was later charged with murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon. Rivera has over 20 prior arrests and nine felony convictions.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of New York, expressed anger over the shooting.
“These attacks on New York City police officers have to end right now,” he said.
Detective Diller, promoted posthumously, is not buried for three months, and the NYPD faces new attacks on the ranks. This time, the threat is from within.
Retired NYPD Chief Joe Fox has garnered criticism for his actions on the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). Known as the "kissing babies chief," Fox was asked to retire in 2018. Afterward, he served on the Medal of Valor board before joining the CCRB, where he is now accused of destroying officers' lives and families.
Current NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban appointed Fox, according to reports.
In a recent letter to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) criticized Fox. The officers’ union charged that Fox’s actions on the CCRB undermine the NYPD and their families.
The letter, first obtained by The New York Post, stated that the CCRB "includes a police commissioner appointee who votes against police officers more than the public advocate appointee." The PBA argues that the board is "profoundly out of balance." The PBA urged officials to bring balance to the board with future appointments.
The CCRB comprises 15 appointed members, appointed by the Mayor, Public Advocate, City Council, and NYPD Commissioner. Recently appointed members Charlene Brown and Joseph Fox, retired NYPD officers, have drawn significant attention. Despite their NYPD backgrounds, they are perceived as political foxes in the hen house, seemingly installed to harm the NYPD and law enforcement families for political points.
Fox's voting record has been particularly contentious. From August 2023 to April 2024, Fox voted to substantiate 476 of 545 cases against police officers, or 87% of the time. A union source stated, "It’s boss syndrome. He still wants to be a boss. It seems like he’s personally disciplining these cops."
The CCRB, however, noted that Fox had reviewed 24,982 allegations against officers since his appointment, agreeing with investigators' recommendations not to substantiate in 20,962 cases.
The criticism of Joe Fox and the CCRB underscores the broader struggles faced by the NYPD. As the City seeks solutions to its crime problem, balancing accountability and support for law enforcement remains critical.
Fox defended his position, stating, "Every month I see cases where I may have an opinion that differs from the conclusion of the investigator. I bring those positions to meetings with other board members."
The PBA's letter also blames the CCRB for the rising attrition of officers and the fall in recruitment.
"With nearly 200 police officers leaving the NYPD every month and hiring barely keeping pace with attrition, the loss of even more dedicated, talented police officers will undoubtedly impact the department’s operations," the letter contends.
The future of the NYPD may depend on finding balanced oversight and ensuring the CCRB operates fairly and effectively.
One Harlem officer, with over a decade on the job, shared his experience with the CCRB under the condition of anonymity. After responding to a call involving a teen suspected in a shooting, the officer tried to calm the nervous boy, who turned out to be the wrong suspect.
"I’m standing there in front of the kid, and he’s a young kid. He looks nervous. He looks scared," the officer said.
He assured the boy that if he was innocent, he would be let go, which eventually happened. Later, the officer was shocked when the CCRB charged him with abuse of authority, illegal stop and frisk, and failure to use his body camera.
"I wasn’t the person who stopped him," the officer said.
Though most charges were dropped, the no-camera charge remained, leaving a blemish on his record.
"I know this is a job, but as a human being I did the right thing," he stated.
Fox’s critics argue that his actions on the CCRB have contributed to a hostile environment for officers. His voting record and the board's perceived imbalance have raised concerns about the future of the NYPD. The PBA's letter to Mayor Adams calls for reassessing the CCRB's composition to ensure fair and balanced oversight.
As the NYPD continues to grapple with rising crime and internal challenges, the role of the CCRB and its impact on officer morale remains contentious. Once a respected figure within the NYPD, Fox now finds himself at the center of a debate over the CCRB's role and effectiveness in overseeing police conduct.
We are compelled to ask: Are there any politicians left who will protect law enforcement and ensure everything humanly possible is done so that officers return home safely to their families after their shifts?