The Most Corrupt NYPD Officers in History: Michael Dowd and Others

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has its fair share of controversial figures, and among the most notorious are officers who engaged in criminal activities while on duty. This article delves into the stories of some of the most corrupt NYPD officers in history, highlighting their roles and the impact of their actions on the NYPD and the city of New York.

Michael Dowd: The Brokeback of Brooklyn

Michael Dowd is one of the most infamous corrupt officers in NYPD history. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Dowd was a member of the 75th Precinct in East New York, Brooklyn. He was deeply involved in extensive corruption, including drug trafficking, robbery, and other criminal activities.

Dowd's actions, along with those of his colleagues, contributed to major scandals within the NYPD. His case became emblematic of the corruption issues that plagued the NYPD during that era. In 1992, Dowd was arrested and convicted, serving time in prison. His story, captured in a Showtime movie The 75, further highlighted the systemic problems within the department.

The fallout from his actions prompted significant reforms in the NYPD and increased scrutiny of police practices across New York City.

Stephen Caracappa and Louis Eppolito: Detectives for the Mafia

Two other detectives, Stephen Caracappa and Louis Eppolito, were notorious for working together in Brooklyn and committing crimes for the Mafia. Their involvement in murder and other criminal activities further tarnished the reputation of the NYPD and raised questions about the extent of corruption within the department.

Bernard Kerik: A Convicted Felon and Sedition Advocate

Bernard Kerik is not only a convicted felon but has also been actively advocating sedition against the United States and its Constitution. His involvement in such activities elevates his profile in terms of corrupt police figures in history.

A Closer Look at William Phillips and Michael Dowd

When discussing the most corrupt NYPD officers, two names often come up: William Phillips and Michael Dowd. Phillips worked in the plainclothes division in midtown Manhattan, while Dowd was a member of the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn and the subject of the Showtime movie The 75.

It's worth noting that despite these individuals, there may be others whose corrupt activities were not uncovered. NYPD superior officer Sidney Cooper once made a distinction between three types of corrupt officers: the meat eaters, the grass eaters, and the birds. Meat eaters were corrupt from the start and prioritized making illicit money every day. Grass eaters took free coffee and meals from merchants in their beats, while birds witnessed corruption but did nothing to expose it.

These distinctions shed light on the complexity of corruption within the NYPD and how it wasn't a one-size-fits-all issue.

Systemic Reforms and Scrutiny in the NYPD

The actions of corrupt officers like Michael Dowd and others have had a profound impact on the NYPD. These actions led to significant reforms and increased scrutiny of police practices in New York City. The city responded by implementing stricter accountability measures and enhancing internal investigations to ensure officers uphold the highest standards of conduct.

As the story of the NYPD continues to evolve, it is crucial to remember the lessons learned from these corrupt officers and the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability within the department.