A New York City police officer has settled a lawsuit for $175,000 after challenging a long-standing practice within the NYPD. Officer Mathew Bianchi took legal action after being demoted and reassigned for issuing tickets to drivers with “courtesy cards,” which are distributed by the Police Benevolent Association to officers’ friends and family.
Bianchi, who patrolled Staten Island, says the cards encouraged reckless driving by allowing those connected to police officers to avoid tickets for minor traffic violations. In response, he began issuing tickets to drivers despite the cards, prompting retaliation from within the department.
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In 2023, Bianchi filed a lawsuit against the city and a police captain, alleging the courtesy card system allowed drivers to break traffic laws without facing consequences. This week, the city agreed to settle the case for $175,000.
Bianchi remains employed by the NYPD but expressed concern that the practice will continue. The city’s legal department confirmed the settlement but declined to comment further.
