NYPD officer wins $175K settlement over traffic stop courtesy cards

A New York City police officer, Mathew Bianchi, has reached a $175,000 settlement with the city after filing a lawsuit regarding the misuse of 'courtesy cards' by NYPD officers. These cards, which are not officially recognized by the department, are often used by officers to help friends and family avoid minor traffic violations. Bianchi claimed he faced retaliation for not honoring these cards, particularly after ticketing a driver connected to a high-ranking officer. The lawsuit highlighted the widespread distribution of these cards among current and retired officers, who reportedly give them away for favors or discounts. Bianchi has called for increased oversight on the distribution of these cards and better protections for whistleblowers. Despite the settlement, he expressed concerns that the situation remains unchanged and that the misuse of these cards continues to pose a risk of corruption within the department. Bianchi's career advancement has been hindered since the lawsuit, as he has faced denials for various positions within the NYPD. He has moved to a dayside shift but remains committed to his stance against the misuse of courtesy cards. His lawyer hopes that Bianchi's actions will encourage other officers to come forward about similar issues. The city’s police unions have faced scrutiny over the practice, with concerns about the potential for corruption and the cards being sold online. The police department has not commented on the matter, deferring inquiries to the law department, while the Police Benevolent Association has not responded to requests for comment.