Dear New York Times Editor and Writers:

The National Latino Officers Association (NLOA) commends you for bringing media attention to a situation that has been obvious to our organization for some time. It is unfortunate that it had to rise to the level it did due to a lack of reporting by the New York City news media. We have often suggested that it is impossible for the Police Department to investigate itself for allegations from civilians or internal employees simply because the underlying goal of the Internal Affairs Bureau is to protect the reputation of the department. This often requires restraint on the part of available investigative resources. Unfortunately, as your article points out, the Mayor’s Commission to Combat Police Corruption (an outside agency) lacks the resources and the power to conduct a real investigation. And under this administration, its power has been significantly reduced due to the Mayor’s cult-like affection for Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.

The NLOA has been recommending that the responsibilities of the Internal Affairs Bureau, along with the NYPD Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), be transferred to the New York City Department of Investigations (DOI). This independent city agency has the resources to investigate allegations from corruption to misconduct, as well as violations of equal employment. The evidence is clear that a change must occur. DOI can not only do a better job because it is independent, but it will afford those police officers that are falsely accused a proper investigation to clear their names; not just rubber stamp their case with the conclusion that the allegation is “Unsubstantiated”. This closing designation is frequently relied upon by the IAB and EEO investigators of the New York City Police Department.

Mr. Anthony Miranda, Executive Chairman