NYPD captain demoted for allegedly manipulating crime statistics

A senior officer in the New York Police Department, Captain Steven Hyland, has been demoted and reassigned amid allegations of tampering with subway crime statistics. Hyland was in charge of Transit District 20 in Queens, where he reportedly had reports forged to minimize reported crimes on the subway. Sources claim that Hyland ordered two sergeants and a lieutenant to falsify reports and even forge signatures. The goal was to downplay serious incidents like robberies and grand larcenies. In one case, he allegedly instructed an officer to modify a complaint to make it seem less serious. Due to these serious allegations, Hyland has been moved to a less critical role within the Brooklyn court system. NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who took office recently, has emphasized the importance of the investigation and the need for accountability within the department. Concerns about subway safety remain high for New Yorkers, even as overall crime in transit has decreased in recent months. NYPD officials have not yet commented on Hyland's transfer or disciplinary action against him.