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News :: Crime & Police

VIPER bites: NYPD video surveillance

NYPD confirms that officers on "modified duty" are the ones assigned to do the watching on the city's video surveillance cameras
who-watches.jpg
DUMPING GROUND FOR 'DIRTY' COPS
By FRANKIE EDOZIEN
New York Post

April 30, 2004 -- Several cops in the NYPD video surveillance unit that monitors crime in city housing projects - which is already under fire after a suicide video made it on to the Internet - are currently being probed in other wrongdoing, a top NYPD official told the City Council yesterday.

The NYPD's Video Interactive Patrol Enhanced Response (VIPER) unit has been under increased scrutiny since the March 16 suicide of hip-hop performer Paris Lane, which was caught on NYPD surveillance cameras.

While images from the cameras are not supposed to be made public, the tape found its way onto a Web site that features scenes of hardcore sex and graphic violent scenes.

Under questioning by council members during a hearing on safety in public housing, Inspector Michael Phipps, commanding officer of the Manhattan Housing Borough, admitted that officers under investigation for misconduct had been dumped into the Viper unit.

"I also understand that there are police officers assigned to the VIPER unit who are currently under investigation for criminal activity and for serious misconduct. Is that true?" asked Hiram Monserratte (D-Queens).

"That would be correct," Phipps said.

When asked if he thought the NYPD might be better served if those officers were not assigned there while charges are pending, Phipps said: "Currently, the department is reviewing the way and method it staffs the VIPER unit and that is under consideration."
 
 

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