Charges Against NY Police Chief Dismissed

In a significant decision, New York Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban has dismissed disciplinary charges against Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, the department's second-highest-ranking officer. The charges stemmed from Maddrey's interference in the arrest of retired officer Kruythoff Forrester, who was involved in an incident where he chased three boys while armed. An internal document revealed that Maddrey faced a potential penalty of losing 10 vacation days after an independent oversight board determined he had abused his authority. The oversight panel, known as the Civilian Complaint Review Board, had previously concluded that Maddrey improperly influenced the arrest. In May 2023, then-Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell supported the board's findings and indicated that disciplinary action would be taken against Maddrey. However, Caban's recent approval of the deputy commissioner of trials' findings has overturned this recommendation, stating that the board lacked jurisdiction to investigate the case. This dismissal means that Maddrey will not face a trial that could have required him to publicly justify his actions. The decision has raised questions about accountability within the NYPD, particularly given Maddrey's close ties to Mayor Eric Adams. The police department confirmed Caban's approval of the deputy commissioner's recommendation, marking a controversial moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding police conduct and oversight in New York City.