Although constitutional protections have been codified into specific rules for the NYPD, we have little assurance they are being followed. An inspector general could help the police ease these concerns and hew closer to constitutional requirements in their efforts to keep the city safe.

Former Corporation Counsels Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Victor A. Kovner, and Peter Zimroth sent the following to the New York City Council in support of the creation of an oversight mechanism for the NYPD.