On April 13th, 2011, I was pulled over by Officer Chris Kenny of Precinct 109 in New York City in Queens County. While no physical violence was involved by either party, Officer Kenny’s behavior was an absolute abuse of power that far exceeds what police officer conduct should be.
I was driving from Manhattan to Laguardia Airport (LGA). I had to drop my rental car off at LGA and then have a friend drive me to Kennedy Airport (JFK) (Avis would have charged me $1,600 to bring the car straight to JFK since I rented it at LGA). Despite a GPS tracker, I was totally lost. While at a red light, I called my friend on my cellphone to get directions, and then placed the phone next to me on speaker phone. I like to drive with two hands on the wheel.
The next thing I know, Officer Kenny is pulling me over. I had no idea that it was illegal to be on a cellphone in NY. I drive all across America, and in many states it is legal. I explained to Officer Kenny that I was an out of towner living in California, and that while I knew it was illegal in CA, I thought it was legal in NY. Given that the phone was on speaker and not even in my hands, I did not see what the problem would be regardless. Officer Kenny actually stopped me on the road and blocked off an entire lane of traffic. Once my car came to a stop, I picked up the phone to explain to my friend what was happening.
I explained to Officer Kenny that I did not want to miss my flight, and that I was lost in a city I have never lived in. He then went to write me a ticket. Had this been the entire situation, I would have been frustrated, but I am a law and order guy who is pro-police in general.
He sat in his car for about 15 to 20 minutes just laughing and smiling. I had no idea why. If he was trying to “teach me a lesson,” the only lesson I was learning was that might makes right. I have never experienced this from a police officer before.
I pleaded with him that I was going to miss my flight. He said, “You yelling at me is not going to make me go faster.” I was not yelling at him. I was begging him to help me on my way. When he finally came back to the car, he started asking me questions about where I was going. This seemed another delaying tactic.
At this point I was exasperated, and I said to him, “Officer, you don’t have to do this.” It was the only thing I said to him, and again this was said politely.
He responded by saying, “Yes I can and yes I will. You know what, I can run your license too. I didn’t run your license. Now I am going to. Too bad about your flight. You can wait.”
If this is not bullying, I fail to see what is. He again sat in his car, still laughing and smiling as I realized time was getting short. Another 15 or so minutes went by as I began having a mild panic attack. This consisted of shortness of breath and nothing more.
He came back again and then things really escalated on his end in a manner that I am still stunned by.
He pointed out that I currently lived on Long Island. I again stated that I lived in California. I told Officer Kenny that I lived on Long Island as a kid over 20 years ago. Since 1990 I have lived in California. I could not figure out why my childhood home had anything to do with verifying my driver’s license. My wheels growing up consisted of a bicycle that was not even 10 speed.
I again reiterated that I was completely lost and I needed to know how to get to LGA, which is why I even picked up a phone to begin with. He told me to just follow the signs. I asked him for directions and he made it crystal clear that his job was not to provide directions. If I was too dumb to follow the signs that was my problem.
I again explained that this was an honest mistake and that I really was lost and needed help. He said, “I believe you. I believe you. That’s not the issue.”
He then looked at me and said, “I have all day. I can argue with you and make you miss your flight. Come on. Say another word. Go ahead. Say another word.”
If this is what “New York’s finest” means, I see room for improvement.
While this was going on, several drivers were going well over the speed limit. Yet this officer was more concerned with me, who has never been in trouble with the law.
This is not about a questionable ticket. I can fight that in court. This is about an officer deliberately dragging out the process knowing that I was an out of towner lost on unfamiliar streets who really needed some help. He could have written the ticket and still helped me with directions.
To argue with me about my boyhood home and insist I still lived there made no sense. As to how he obtained that information, I am sure some civil rights attorneys can deal with that. It seems like an overreach.
If New York City is that desperate for a few dollars from a questionable traffic ticket, they will lose my frequent tourism money. There are plenty of other states willing to accept it.
To fly from Los Angeles to NY just to fight this ticket would cost more than the ticket itself. It would be cheaper to pay it.
Precinct 109 the poster child for abuse and corruption if Officer Kenny is your standard. He owes me an apology.
Lastly, I want a full explanation as to what procedures are used to obtain information having nothing to do with a driver’s license.
This experience was humiliating. I have always respected law enforcement and am shocked that a man with a badge would treat somebody in my situation without basic human dignity. Officer Kenny’s behavior was intimidating, menacing, and unbecoming of a man with his shield. I hope he is a statistical aberration and not representative of NYPD in general or even the rest of Precinct 109.
eric