This report details an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD into the social media conduct of two high-ranking police chiefs, Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry and Chief of Department John Chell. The investigation, prompted by public outcry, scrutinized posts made on X (formerly Twitter) in 2023, concluding that both officials violated NYPD policy with “demeaning” and “unprofessional” remarks targeting civil servants and journalists. The posts were part of a broader departmental strategy to control public narrative by creating its own media apparatus and discrediting perceived opponents. The Inspector General found that this online behavior undermined public trust in senior law enforcement and reflected poorly on the department as a whole.
The report highlights several specific instances of misconduct. Chief Chell wrongly accused a New York judge of releasing a “predator” onto city streets, later admitting his error. He also attacked a City Council member critical of the NYPD’s response to anti-Israel protests, labeling her a “person who hates our city” and urging his followers to “vote the change you seek,” potentially violating the Hatch Act’s restrictions on political activity by government employees. Deputy Commissioner Daughtry similarly engaged in derisive online behavior, including mocking journalists deemed critical of the administration.
These actions, according to the Inspector General, violated NYPD policies mandating courteous and civil conduct. Furthermore, they raised concerns about prohibited political activity by city employees. While the NYPD claims to have implemented changes to its social media practices since the investigation began, the report notes that the cessation of offensive posts coincided with the launch of the investigation, suggesting a reactive rather than proactive approach to policy compliance. The question of disciplinary action against the chiefs remains unanswered.
The report places the chiefs’ behavior within the context of a departmental effort to control the narrative surrounding NYPD activities. This involved establishing an internal media team and aggressively countering perceived negative coverage. The Inspector General found that Chell and Daughtry’s social media posts were part of this strategy, intended to discredit critics and bolster the department’s image. However, this tactic ultimately backfired, generating negative publicity and prompting the investigation itself.
Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, initially defended the chiefs, arguing they were merely standing up for officers. This position contrasts sharply with the Inspector General’s findings and the subsequent call for accountability from the City Council. The Council spokesperson emphasized the need for the NYPD to adhere to established social media policies and ensure proper oversight. This underscores the tension between the administration’s defense of the chiefs’ actions and the broader concern for maintaining professional conduct and public trust.
Ultimately, the report underscores the potential pitfalls of social media use by law enforcement officials. While acknowledging the department’s desire to control its narrative, the Inspector General highlights the importance of adhering to established policies and maintaining professional decorum. The investigation serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how unchecked online behavior can damage public trust and undermine the very image officials seek to protect. The lack of clarity on potential disciplinary measures further raises questions about accountability within the department.
