Scathing report released on NYPD's handling of George Floyd protests

Report on NYPD response to protests

The New York City Department of Investigation cited several serious problems with the way the NYPD responded to the wave of protests in the spring and summer.

NEW YORK - A scathing new report about the NYPD's response to the George Floyd protests last summer found that the department was undertrained and used excessive force that exacerbated tensions with protestors.

The 111-page report by the city's watchdog agency found that the NYPD lacked a strategy for policing the protests, a lack of protest training for many of the officers deployed to the events and that use of force contributed to an escalation of some events that led to many of the clashes between demonstrators and officers.

The agency has issued 20 recommendations of reform for the NYPD including creating a protest response unit, creating a patrol guide for policing protests and more involvement from the community affairs bureau when officers are deployed to protests.

The DOI spent six months compiling the report and used interviews with high-ranking members of the NYPD well as scores of officers who responded to the protests.

MANHATTAN, NY - JUNE 14: Hundreds of people pack into Columbus Circle to hear speeches of protest against police violence with one protester holding a painted portrait of Floyd George. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)

Mayor Bill de Blasio was among the city officials who called for an investigation of the NYPD response during the protests which lead to widespread violence and many arrests. In a video posted to social media Friday, the mayor said he read the report and agrees with its findings.

Scathing report on NYPD

The Department of Investigations issued a 111-page report on the NYPD's handling of the George Floyd protests.

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"There were choices made strategic choices that ended up causing problems," de Blasio said. "We have to come to grips with that. We have to train our police force differently. We have to create a new reality where we really focus on reaching the people we serve, communication with every day New Yorkers including the people who have a problem with the police."

Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement that he reviewed the DOI report.

"In general terms, the report captured the difficult period that took place in May/June of 2020 and presents 20 logical and thoughtful recommendations that I intend to incorporate into our future policy and training," Shea said. "I'd like to thank DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett and her entire staff for their professionalism during this process."

The city witnessed several tumultuous weeks in May and June as often violent demonstrations and looting followed the police-involved death of George Floyd.