The New York City Police Benevolent Association, the union representing more than 40,000 active and retired New York City police officers, has endorsed Liz Crotty for Manhattan District attorney in the June 22 Democratic primary. Crotty is running on a “pro-safety” platform.
P.B.A. President Patrick Lynch cited Crotty’s experience and judgment, and her commitment to work with the New York police to “restore safety” to the streets of Manhattan.
“Liz Crotty understands that we can’t restore safety to the streets of Manhattan by cutting cops out of the equation,” Lynch said. “While some candidates think it is good politics to demonize officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect New Yorkers, she has the judgment, the commitment and the experience on both sides of the courtroom to focus on the core mission of the District Attorney’s Office, which is public safety. We are all in this together and we are proud to endorse her.”
The P.B.A. joins unions representing N.Y.P.D. sergeants, lieutenants, captains and detectives in backing Crotty, who spent six years as an assistant district attorney in the office, as well as 12 years as a defense attorney.
“Public safety is a team effort, and the officers of the N.Y.P.D. are indispensable in combatting the rising crime rates afflicting Manhattan,” Crotty said. “It requires we all work together — police officers, prosecutors, judges, the defense bar and communities — to restore public safety. I appreciate the P.B.A.’s endorsement of my candidacy for public safety.”
Crotty has also been endorsed by former Police Commissioners Ray Kelly and Richard Condon.
Of all the viable candidates for Manhattan DA in the last TV debate, Crotty looked directly into the camera and declared that she would not refuse to set bail on a defendant who presented a danger to the community. The others either said that they wouldn’t impose bail or prevaricated. I have been supporting the ACLU and other civil liberties organizations and programs, but I also believe that our individual freedoms and safety are protected by the enforcement of our laws, contrary to those candidates who support defunding the police or flip-flop on the issue. Given her vast experience as an Assistant DA in this office, her honesty and integrity and her commitment to support the NYPD and to enforce the laws, though tempered by mercy and compassion where appropriate, she has my vote.