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Inspector General Review Finds NYPD Needs To Do A Better Job Of Bookkeeping

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A report by the inspector general said the NYPD needs to do a better job of bookkeeping.

The IG review looked into how the department conducted investigations of political activity, and found the NYPD Intelligence Bureau failed to renew investigations before the authorized time expired more than half the time.

The report faults the NYPD for continuing surveillance days, and even weeks after authorization had expired.

As 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported, Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs Larry Burns said the delay in filing paperwork is being addressed.

"Every one of our investigations and every one of the people we investigated were investigated for valid and proper purposes," he said.

As for the report stating that 95 percent of surveillance targets were Muslim, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism John Miller said no one should be surprised.

"If you're investigating Al Qaeda and ISIL plots against New York City your investigative targets are going to be who they are," he said.

NYPD officials said "the report states the NYPD had a valid basis to open each investigation randomly reviewed by the OIG."

"The NYPD has never suggested that protecting New York City from terrorism and adhering to the Handschu Guidelines were mutually exclusive outcomes," said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. "Rather, it has always been our assertion that we will go where the evidence takes us, and we will do so within the guidelines of the law. I am very pleased the Inspector General's audit has independently confirmed this to be true, and I thank the IG's office for its work on this audit and report."

Police officials said the department plans to continue improving on what is already regarded as a high standard of compliance.

 

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