Following years of complaints, Justice Department to probe NYPD sex crimes unit
PBS NewsHourJul 28, 2022
DOJ To Investigate NYPD Special Victims Division
Image copyright: New York City Police Dept. [via The Daily Mail]
The Facts
The DOJ this week launched an investigation of the NYPD Special Victims Division (SVD) over its handling of sexual assault cases and whether it engages in "a pattern or practice of gender-biased policing."
SVD, which is tasked with crimes involving rape, sexual abuse, and children, has been criticized for decades, including by women who said their reports of rapes and sexual assaults resulted in them being maligned and dismissed.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
For too long the NYPD has ignored systemic issues in SVD that have led to sex crime survivors being neglected and/or mistreated. This is a victory for the victims and, hopefully, the investigation will lead to accountability and drastic reform.
Pro-establishment narrative
The NYPD is well aware of past issues with SVD, and takes them very seriously. They've previously launched their own internal reviews, and the division has improved in recent years. Their pledge to fully cooperate with this latest investigation only further demonstrates the NYPD's commitment to strengthening their survivor-based philosophy.