... Lawsuit payouts are not withdrawn from the police budget and resources, but rather are taken from the city’s broader fund. As a result, taxpayers are burdened with these costs—in addition to the regular expenses of NYPD—and police don’t face financial consequences.

“It’s no surprise that so many of them are repeatedly accused of excessive force or covering up a false arrest. The first time they do it, they’re not held accountable, so they do it again,” said Darius Charney, a Center for Constitutional Rights attorney. ...

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