Comparing Law Enforcement Giants: LAPD vs. NYPD

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) are two of the most well-known law enforcement agencies in the United States. While both serve large urban populations and face similar challenges, there are significant differences between them in terms of size, structure, history, and approach to policing.

Size and Structure:

• The LAPD is the third-largest police department in the United States, with approximately 9,000 sworn officers and 3,000 civilian staff serving a population of nearly 4 million people spread over 473 square miles.
• In contrast, the NYPD is the largest police department in the United States, with over 36,000 uniformed officers and approximately 19,000 civilian employees serving a population of more than 8 million people in an area of about 468 square miles.

History:

• Both departments have a long and storied history. The LAPD was established in 1869 and has faced numerous challenges over the years, including allegations of corruption and racial discrimination. The department has undergone significant reforms in recent decades to address these issues.
• The NYPD has a similarly long history, dating back to 1845. Like the LAPD, it has faced criticism and controversy at various times, particularly regarding its use of stop-and-frisk tactics and its response to protests and demonstrations.

Approach to Policing:

• Both departments prioritize community policing and engagement as part of their overall strategy. This involves building trust and collaboration with residents and stakeholders to address crime and quality-of-life issues.
• However, there are differences in how they implement these strategies. The LAPD, for example, has implemented programs such as the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which focuses on building positive relationships between police officers and residents in high-crime areas. The NYPD has similar initiatives, such as the Neighborhood Policing Program, which assigns officers to specific neighborhoods to foster closer ties with the community.
• The two departments also have different approaches to crime prevention and enforcement. The LAPD has historically focused on targeted enforcement strategies, such as the use of gang injunctions and specialized units to combat specific types of crime. The NYPD, on the other hand, has implemented a more data-driven approach, using CompStat and other analytical tools to identify crime hotspots and allocate resources accordingly.

Challenges:

• Both departments face similar challenges, including addressing violent crime, property crime, and quality-of-life issues in their respective cities.
• However, the nature of these challenges can vary based on factors such as geography, demographics, and socio-economic conditions. For example, the LAPD may face unique challenges related to gang violence and homelessness, while the NYPD may deal with issues such as terrorism and organized crime to a greater extent.

In summary, while the LAPD and NYPD share many similarities in terms of their mission and goals, there are also significant differences in terms of size, structure, history, and approach to policing. Despite these variations, both departments are committed to serving and protecting their communities and addressing the complex challenges of modern law enforcement.

Two Men Arrested and Charged with 2008 Murder

Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF"), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"), announced the arrests of FRANKLYN STERLING and XAVIER DELISER for the 2008 murder of Francisco Unapanta. STERLING was arrested on August 10, 2017, and DELISER was arrested this morning.

On August 10, 2017, a one-count indictment was unsealed charging STERLING and DELISER with committing murder through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. STERLING was presented in federal court in Manhattan before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis on August 10 and ordered detained; DELISER will be presented later today in federal court. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald, who has scheduled an initial conference for Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.

Acting United States Attorney Joon H. Kim said: "As alleged, Franklyn Sterling and Xavier Deliser shot and killed Francisco Unapanta during a Brooklyn robbery nearly nine years ago, a murder that remained unsolved until now. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue justice for victims like Mr. Unapanta, no matter how cold the case."

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan M. Benedict said: "Francisco Unapanta and a co-worker were hard working immigrants who fell victim to a gun point robbery alleged to have been committed by Sterling and Deliser. A struggle ensued during the robbery and Unapanta was fatally shot. Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of the special agents and detectives assigned to the ATF SPARTA Task Force, for whom the passage of time does not lessen the resolve to identify the perpetrators of violent criminal activity, these defendants will now face justice for their alleged crimes."

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: "Our commitment to both preventing and solving crime is relentless. This homicide, nearly a decade old, is further evidence of our commitment. Thanks to the detectives, agents, and prosecutors whose focus led to the arrests and charges."

As alleged in the Indictment against STERLING and DELISER:

On September 3, 2008, in the vicinity of 358 Montgomery Street in Brooklyn, FRANKLYN STERLING and XAVIER DELISER robbed Francisco Unapanta, and during the course of that robbery, Unapanta was shot and killed.

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STERLING, 34, of Brooklyn, and DELISER, 34, of Brooklyn, each face a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory term of five years in prison.

The statutory maximum and minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the respective judges.

Mr. Kim praised the investigative work of the NYPD and the ATF, and in particular the Strategic Patterned Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension ("SPARTA") Task Force, which is composed of agents and officers of the ATF and the NYPD. Mr. Kim also thanked the Joint Regional Fugitive Task Force for their work in apprehending DELISER.

This matter is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Hartman, David Zhou, and Jason Swergold are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment against STERLING and DELISER are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Former NYPD Officer Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court for Conspiring to Distribute Firearms and Stolen Goods

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GARY ORTIZ, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for engaging in a scheme involving the illegal interstate transport of firearms and stolen goods. ORTIZ was sentenced in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Justice has been served today against Gary Ortiz, who tarnished his badge, violated the laws he swore to uphold, and betrayed his fellow officers, the NYPD, and the residents of New York City he swore to protect.”

According to the court filings and statements made in court:

From December 2010 to October 2011, ORTIZ, who joined the conspiracy in February 2011, and his co-conspirators, transported firearms and stolen goods, including cigarettes and other merchandise, across state lines. ORTIZ was an active duty NYPD officer at the time he committed the offenses.

ORTIZ helped steal hundreds of cases of cigarettes from trucks parked outside a warehouse and then transported the stolen cigarettes from Virginia to New York. He also participated in a scheme to transport 20 firearms, including three M-16 rifles, one shotgun, and 16 handguns—the majority of which had been defaced to remove or alter the serial number, and all of which had been disabled—from New Jersey to New York. The total street value of the goods ORTIZ helped transport across state lines was approximately $1 million. In total, ORTIZ was paid $18,000 for his role in the schemes.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Gardephe sentenced ORTIZ, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, to two years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $200 special assessment fee. ORTIZ also has agreed to a money judgment of $18,000 representing his share of the crime proceeds, and has relinquished his interests in guns that were seized from him at the time of his arrest.

ORTIZ was originally charged in a four-count complaint along with 11 co-conspirators, many of whom were fellow NYPD officers. All of the defendants have now pled guilty, except Ali Oklu, an active duty NYPD officer at the time he allegedly committed the offenses. The charges and allegations against Oklu are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A chart containing the status of each defendant is below.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Affairs Bureau of the NYPD.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Complex Frauds Units. Assistant United States Attorney Carrie H. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.

Four Men Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Committing Robberies While Impersonating Law Enforcement Agents

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Mary Galligan, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (NYPD), announced today the unsealing of charges against Marco Perez, Said Rivera, Dinos Psirros, Morelos Disla for robbery and firearms offenses that were committed while impersonating law enforcement agents. Perez, Rivera, Psirros, and Disla were arrested earlier today and will be presented and arraigned in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott this afternoon.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “As alleged, these defendants brought violence and fear into their victims’ homes by masquerading as armed law enforcement agents and then robbing the victims. Not only did they steal from the targets of their crimes, they also dishonored the fine men and women who risk their lives every day by enforcing the law and protecting the public.”

FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Mary Galligan said, “Nowhere is the right to safety and security more fundamental than in one’s own home. The defendants’ home invasions, carried out with deceit and trickery, put innocent people at risk, not just their intended victims. The FBI remains committed to protecting the public from violent crime.”

NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, “I want to commend investigators and prosecutors for bringing these suspects to justice, particularly the diligence of the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau who, early on, recognized a pattern of conduct related to a series of home invasion robberies where the suspects identified themselves as NYPD detectives and federal agents. Solid investigative work led to the gathering of physical evidence and the identification of the suspects.”

The following allegations are based on the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

From November 2011 through September 2012, Perez, Rivera, Psirros, and Disla conspired to commit robberies of suspected traffickers of narcotics and untaxed cigarettes. The defendants impersonated law enforcement agents in order to rob their victims. For example, on November 15, 2011, Perez, Rivera, and Psirros robbed a suspected untaxed cigarette trafficker of approximately $200,000 and a quantity of untaxed cigarettes while impersonating law enforcement agents. And, on June 6, 2012, Perez, Rivera, Psirros, and Disla again robbed a suspected narcotics trafficker and others of approximately $1,000 while posing as law enforcement agents.

In addition to the robbery offenses, Perez, Rivera, and Psirros are charged with possessing and using a firearm, which was brandished, in relation to the November 15, 2011 robbery. All three men and Disla are also charged with possessing and using a firearm, which was brandished, in relation to the June 6, 2012 robbery.

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Perez, 45; Rivera, 31; and Disla, 34, are all residents of the Bronx, New York; and Psirros, 39, is a resident of Queens, New York. Perez, Rivera, and Psirros face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 32 years in prison. Disla faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain, and the first pre-trial conference is scheduled for September 17, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI and NYPD and stated that the investigation is ongoing.

The case is being prosecuted by the Violent Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kan M. Nawaday and Hadassa Waxman are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NYPD Officer Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 40 Months in Prison for His Role in Conspiracies to Distribute Firearms and Stolen Goods

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Joseph Trischitta, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for engaging in a scheme involving the illegal interstate transport of firearms and stolen goods. Trischitta was sentenced in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley, III.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Joseph Trischitta’s sentencing today is the latest reminder of the consequences of public corruption. It does a disservice to the overwhelming majority of public servants who conduct themselves so honorably and to the people they serve.”

According to the court filings and statements made in court:

From December 2010 to October 2011, Trischitta transported firearms and what he believed to be stolen goods, including slot machines, cigarettes, and other merchandise, across state lines. Trischitta, who was on payroll as a retired NYPD officer at the time he committed the offenses, was recruited to join the conspiracy in December 2010 by its leader and organizer, NYPD officer William Masso. Trischitta helped transport firearms, including three M-16 rifles, one shotgun, and 16 handguns—the majority of which had been defaced to remove or alter the serial number, and all of which had been disabled. Trischitta and his co-conspirators also transported slot machines, thousands of cartons of cigarettes, and other counterfeit merchandise. The goods carried a street value of approximately $1 million.

The trips in which Trischitta participated included a trip to transport purportedly stolen slot machines from Atlantic City to New York, multiple trips to transport hundreds of cases of purportedly stolen cigarettes from New Jersey to New York, and the trip in which the 20 firearms were transported interstate. In total, Trischitta was paid $11,500 for his role in the schemes.

Trischitta specifically discussed with his co-conspirators using their credentials and knowledge as law enforcement officers in preparing for and carrying out the schemes. For example, in a meeting in March 2011, Masso explained that the men should carry their law enforcement badges during the operation and, if stopped, say they were police officers working off-duty to deliver items that had been purchased at an auction. When the group was discussing which vehicle to rent to transport the stolen goods, Trischitta used his knowledge as a law enforcement officer to recommend against using certain types of vehicles that law enforcement often inspect.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Pauley sentenced Trischitta, 43, of Staten Island, New York, to two years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $50,000 fine and a $200 special assessment fee. Trischitta also has agreed to a money judgment of $11,500 representing his share of the crime proceeds and has relinquished his interests in guns seized from him at the time of his arrest.

Trischitta was originally charged in a four-count complaint along with 11 co-conspirators, many of whom were fellow NYPD officers. All the defendants have now pled guilty, except Ali Oklu, an active duty NYPD officer at the time he allegedly committed the offenses. The charges and allegations against Oklu that are contained in the complaint and the information are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A chart containing the status of each defendant is attached.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI and the Internal Affairs Bureau of the NYPD.

This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Complex Frauds Units. Assistant United States Attorney Carrie H. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.

Nine Alleged Narcotics Traffickers from Far Rockaway, Queens Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

Two separate indictments were unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn yesterday charging nine defendants from the Far Rockaway section of Queens, New York with trafficking heroin, crack, and powder cocaine. Two defendants were also charged with firearms trafficking, and one defendant was charged with possessing ammunition after having been convicted of a felony.1 Six of the defendants arrested yesterday are scheduled to be arraigned this morning before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak at the U.S. Courthouse, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York. The cases have been assigned to United States District Judges Frederic Block and Brian M. Cogan.

The charges and arrests were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office; and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.

A seven-month joint investigation by the FBI and the NYPD resulted in the charges against members of two separate narcotics trafficking organizations based in Far Rockaway, Queens. As detailed in the first indictment and a detention memorandum filed by the government, Pedro Garcia, Alberto Ocasio (also known as “Berto”), and Davon Pearson (also known as “Red”) together sold cocaine and cocaine base on numerous occasions to an undercover NYPD detective. Ocasio and Pearson also sold a .22 caliber handgun and ammunition to the undercover detective, three days after Ocasio had pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to a narcotics felony. During one recorded meeting, Ocasio and Pearson allegedly offered to sell the undercover detective a short-barreled shotgun, which Pearson boasted could be used to “take out a whole block.” During another recorded transaction, Ocasio admitted that he had shot at members of the Crips street gang only days after selling the .22 caliber firearm to the undercover detective.

Jason Carter, Steven Dove, Floyd Goodson (also known as “G”), Elijah Ingram (also known as “EJ”), Dennis Jenkins (also known as “Meaty”), and Bentley Martin (also known as “Killa” and “B”) were charged in a second indictment with being members of another drug trafficking organization also based in Far Rockaway. According to the indictment and detention memorandum, these defendants engaged in numerous sales of heroin and cocaine to an NYPD undercover detective.

“Once again, the indictments announced today demonstrate that narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms go hand-in-hand. These charges signal our continuing commitment to prosecuting drug traffickers in all of our communities, including Far Rockaway, a neighborhood that has been victimized by a disproportionate share of drug activity and related violence,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. Ms. Lynch added that the government’s investigation is ongoing.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk stated, “The FBI’s commitment to policing drug trafficking organizations is rooted in the inseparable connection between drugs and guns. Peddling poison in city neighborhoods is hazard enough, but it is compounded by the ever-present menace of the guns so often used by drug traffickers.”

NYPD Commissioner Kelly stated, “Taking illegal guns and narcotics off neighborhood streets improves—and no doubt saves—lives in Far Rockaway and anywhere police concentrate their efforts. The arrests today are the result of the hard work of the NYPD Queens Gang Division to identify and shut down alleged violent drug trafficking organizations, working together with federal prosecutors.”

If convicted of the most serious offenses in the indictment, Garcia, Ocasio, and Pearson face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment. Carter, Dove, Goodson, Ingram, Martin, and Jenkins face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Amatruda and Alexander Solomon.

The Defendants Arrested Yesterday:

JASON CARTER

Age: 43

PEDRO GARCIA

Age: 35

FLOYD GOODSON

Alias: “G”

Age: 53

ELIJAH INGRAM

Alias: “EJ”

Age: 54

DENNIS JENKINS

Alias: “Meaty”

Age: 56

BENTLEY MARTIN

Aliases: “Killa” and “B”

Age: 29

DAVON PEARSON

Alias: “Red”

Age: 23

1 The charges contained in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.