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CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Libertarians Expose On-Duty Cops Working as TV Extras


NEW YORK, NY -- (08/09/2001; 1200)(EIS) -- The Manhattan Libertarian Party has learned that several dozen New York City police officers, including members of the elite ceremonial unit, supervisors and at least one lieutenant, recently worked as extras on the set of the television show NYPD Blue while on duty. The Libertarians condemn the practice, which apparently had the approval of high-ranking police brass, as a flagrantly inappropriate use of taxpayers' money, says Jim Lesczynski, media relations director for the Manhattan Libertarians.

We call on Mayor Giuliani and Police Commissioner Kerik to launch an investigation to determine just how widespread this practice is and to demand that it stop immediately, said Lesczynski. We would also hope that appropriate penalties be given.

The whistle was blown on the thespians-in-blue by a confidential police source. He says the officers were used for a funeral scene that was shot on location at Linden Hill Cemetery in Queens on August 7.

It is common practice for uniformed cops to be on-duty and receive pay when attending the funeral of a fallen officer, said the source. But this is the first time I have ever seen uniformed cops paid to attend a pretend funeral.

The source added that there is no way that the cops could have been given this assignment without the knowledge of high-ranking commanding officers.

Libertarian candidates for local office are outraged by the scandal.

Call me old-fashioned, but I thought we paid the police to protect us, not entertain us, said Travis Pahl, Libertarian candidate for Public Advocate.

Do we really have such a surplus of police officers that we can afford to deploy them in such a frivolous manner? asked Comptroller candidate James Eisert. The top brass at the NYPD must be held accountable for this waste of tax dollars.

The anonymous police source is available to members of the press who wish to verify his authenticity. Requests should be directed to Jim Lesczynski, media relations director of the Manhattan Libertarian Party, at 212-852-3931.

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