New York City Police Department

Valentine's Day is a time for love and romance. It's also a time for opportunistic scammers to break your heart while stealing your money. Watch March Santia from NBC News interview NYPD detectives and the United States Secret Service on how you can avoid becoming the next romance scam victim:

As a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, Inspector Aaron Klein spent the last 9 1/2 years in the Detective Bureau, overseeing thousands of cases that led to numerous arrests. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience against the disease by continuing to serve the city despite the grueling treatment. Today, he remains at the forefront of some of the city’s high-profile investigations, and his unwavering commitment epitomizes why he is one of NY’s Finest. Thank you to the New York Islanders for recognizing Inspector Klein at this week's game.

Born in Haiti, Officer John Chery immigrated to the U.S. at 6. Inspired by his father's service as a cop in Haiti, he joined the NYPD and has served this city for 19 years. Now, an NYPD driving instructor, he prepares the next gen of NY's Finest. #BlackHistoryMonth

This morning the NYPD hosted a promotion ceremony at police headquarters that recognized members of the department for their service and accomplishments. 34 members were promoted to Detective, including three recognized for life-saving rescues. Read more below. https://lnkd.in/ex-Mn2pB

In an interagency task force operation, officers targeted drivers using ghost license plates, pulling over multiple vehicles to mitigate the public safety risks posed by these individuals. WNBC reports more on this story.

In September 1958, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was saved by two NYPD patrolmen after he was stabbed by an assailant. Read more on how a dream was kept alive that night:

In an interview with Marc Santia, Chief Savino discusses how detectives are actively searching for two scammers who have been targeting unsuspecting drivers, while urging New Yorkers to stay vigilant. Watch the video here!

As millions of New Yorkers prepare to ring in the New Year, whether in the heart of NYC or throughout the five boroughs, we encourage everyone to use mass transit as a convenient option for getting to and from their destination. Be aware of the following street closures, which can help you plan an efficient route. Enjoy the celebrations! The Ball Drop viewing prohibited items: -Umbrellas, blankets, backpacks, lawn chairs, coolers & large bags -Blankets -Alcoholic beverages -Items that can obstruct or interfere with another spectator's enjoyment Property may not be abandoned at checkpoints

As a police officer, every interaction can change a life. When then Police Officer Michael Furia met 13-year-old Josue Pichardo after he was robbed of all his clothes down to his underwear, he didn't know that he would go on to inspire that teenager to become an NYPD Police Officer a decade later. Find out more about their surprise reunion at today's Gun and Shield ceremony below.

Great Niece Receives Shield, Recovers Family Lineage By P.O. Daniel Stokes When a rookie cop gets called into the commanding officer’s office, it isn’t usually for a good reason. But for P.O. Deshay Thomas, a recent visit with Insp. Aaron Edwards went better than she could have imagined. During stays at her aunt’s home, Deshay was often curious about a picture of her aunt’s father, and Deshay’s great-uncle—Maurice Smith—proudly displayed on a shelf. Deshay knew her great-uncle had been a police officer, but his career as an officer seemed to be lost to family history. After graduating from the Police Academy, Deshay was assigned to the Midtown South Precinct, the confines of which includes Times Square, Penn Station, and Madison Square Garden. During the new officers’ week-long orientation, she met her new commanding officer, Insp. Edwards. She took the opportunity to ask for his help in finding out more about her great-uncle. She knew only that he had passed away shortly after completing his 21st year on the job. Over five months had passed since Deshay had made her request and, pre-occupied with learning how to conduct patrol in the city’s epicenter, it was the last thing on her mind when she was called into his office. Insp. Edwards welcomed her warmly and presented her with a photo of P.O. Maurice Smith, in uniform, and a folder of documents nearly an inch thick. It turns out, Deshay’s great-uncle was a decorated officer who made some notable arrests. Born in 1930, he was appointed an NYPD Patrolman in 1954, spending his entire career in Harlem—two-and-a-half years in the 30th Precinct, and nearly 18 years in the 25th Precinct. In that time, he received various accolades including a Meritorious Police Duty medal, awarded in 1962, for the off-duty arrests of two men who were wanted for homicide; in 1964, he received an Excellent Police Duty medal, along with three fellow officers, for breaking up a six-man altercation that resulted in arrests and the confiscation of a loaded machine gun. Desperate to hear anything about him, his great-niece was suddenly overwhelmed, and overjoyed. “It’s rare we get a chance to find out this information about family from so long ago,” Insp. Edwards said. “Having the opportunity for her to see the great work Smith did and make that family connection is a really great feeling.” Those weren’t the inspector’s only gifts, however. When Insp. Edwards opened up a box with a navy blue felt cushion displaying a police officer’s shield, number 18371, the number P.O. Maurice Smith proudly wore for the entirety of his career, Deshay teared up. Informed that her current shield was no longer needed, Deshay removed it, and Insp. Edwards pinned her new shield to her duty jacket. “It’s comforting to know he’s with me now,” Deshay said. “Next to my heart.”