New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton have worked hard today to prove to the media and general public that they are committed to repairing the deep divide in the city. Early this morning, Bratton did an interview with Today that seemed to try and lead the way in smoothing over tensions between his officers and those on the job at City Hall. It has been widely reported that many officers do not feel that de Blasio has had their backs thanks to recent statements he has made. While Bratton understood how some officers are feeling, he also believes de Blasio has nothing to apologize for.
Bratton also went on the record to say he believes it was wrong of officers to have turned their backs purposely on de Blasio before he gave a news conference about the deaths of two Brooklyn officers Saturday, Dec. 20. Some officers have reportedly felt that de Blasio has complicated their job by allowing protestors of the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown to freely roam city streets. Bratton challenged the notion that de Blasio has turned his back on the Police Department by reminding everyone that he has granted more than $400 million outside the normal budget to bolster the NYPD.
At a press conference today, Dec. 22, de Blasio asked city residents to stop their protests until both slain officers are laid to rest. It would give the city an opportunity to take a step back and cool off rather than digging in and staying so emotionally invested. It is those emotions running high that seem to have lead to the lashing out of both sides in the media. According to Bratton, tensions between the NYPD and the general public have not been this strained since the 1970s, and he is surprised after coming so far that it has been so easy to backslide.
What do you think is needed to begin to bridge the gap between the public and the officers who are supposed to protect them? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
