NYPD Officer Says He Has Arrest, Ticket Quota

The arrest and ticket quota is supposed to be an urban myth, but one NYPD officer told ABCNews that it is anything but. He works in the Bronx and says he’s “not going to keep arresting innocent people.”

“Our primary job is not to help anybody, our primary job is not to assist anybody, our primary job is to get those numbers and come back with them?” said Officer Polanco.

Eyewitness News asked, “Why do it?”

“They have to meet a quota. One arrest and twenty summonses,” said Officer Polanco. “Our primary job is not to help anybody, our primary job is not to assist anybody, our primary job is to get those numbers and come back with them?” said Officer Polanco.

Eyewitness News asked, “Why do it?”

“They have to meet a quota. One arrest and twenty summonses,” said Officer Polanco.

ABC also has a recording of an officer seemingly referencing the “1 and 20” quota when addressing cops at a morning roll call meeting.

“You think 1 and 20 is breaking your balls? Guess what you’re going to be doing,” the voice says.

Other recording features an officer suggesting that they meet the quota or go work at Pizza Hut.

“Next week, 25 &1, 35 & 1, and until you decide to quit this job to go to work at a Pizza Hut , this is what you’re going to be doing till then. Do you understand?” asked the patrol officer.

Reached for comment, the NYPD said: “Police Officers like others who receive compensation are provided productivity goals and they are expected to work.”

NYPD Officer claims pressure to make arrests [ABC 7]

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