Res. No. 851

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation prohibiting the issuance of police courtesy cards

By Council Members Hudson and Ossé

Whereas, The distribution and use of “Police Courtesy Cards” has been a controversial practice in New York City; and

Whereas, Reports indicate these wallet-sized, laminated cards, distributed by New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) union members, serve as a unique perk for friends and relatives of police officers, signifying a network of privilege to enable insiders to circumvent penalties for traffic violations and minor infractions; and

Whereas, Despite lacking official recognition by the NYPD, the circulation of these cards  fosters a culture where traffic laws can be disregarded with impunity, particularly for offenses such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or running a stoplight; and

Whereas, The informal use of these cards, sometimes referred to as a “get out of jail free” card, underscores a problematic aspect of law enforcement culture where personal connections to the police can result in unequal treatment under the law; and

Whereas, The use of Police Courtesy Cards reflects the internal dynamics within law enforcement communities, where these cards symbolize mutual respect among officers rather than goodwill toward the public; and

Whereas, These dynamics can lead officers to exercise restraint in situations where they might otherwise take more stringent action, raising important questions about police discretion, the consistency of law enforcement actions, and broader implications for police-community relations; and

Whereas, In September, 2024, a New York City police officer reached a $175,000 settlement with the city in a lawsuit that highlighted the use of Courtesy Cards issued to friends and relatives to avoid traffic stops and other minor infractions; and

Whereas, The lawsuit alleged that the officer was punished by his superiors for failing to honor these cards, bringing renewed attention to the informal practice within the NYPD; and

Whereas, While the settlement resolved the lawsuit, it did not introduce any substantive changes to how courtesy cards are used by NYPD officers; and

Whereas, Reportedly, a spokesperson for the Police Benevolent Association (“PBA”), the NYPD’s largest union, acknowledged the existence of courtesy cards, but stated that it is the responsibility of department management to determine official policy; and

Whereas, Eliminating the issuance of Police Courtesy Cards would reinforce public confidence in law enforcement by ensuring that all individuals are subject to the same legal standards regardless of their relationships with police officers; and

Whereas, Rather than relying on informal department policy, legislative action at the State level is necessary to prohibit the issuance and use of Police Courtesy Cards, thereby preventing law enforcement unions from continuing this practice; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation prohibiting the issuance of police courtesy cards.

CMB

LS#18648

3/12/25