Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Police Detective Richard Hy is speaking out after accusing Buffalo Public School officials of obstructing sexual assault and child abuse investigations.
Hy says he decided to share what's happening because he realized nothing was going to change if he didn't.
"This was a problem the moment I got there. Obviously, there was time before me, before two years ago, when I became a Special Victims Unit detective, where this was an issue. Two years for the same problems to happen over and over and over again, I just didn't want to wait anymore," stated Hy in an interview with WBEN.
Hy claims that BPS would refuse to hand over basic information—like names and addresses—and would intentionally mislabel cases as 'information only."
"There are several times where myself, other detectives, have had to look at the addresses to see if they've intentionally misreported something, and then see what the 'information only' is about. I currently have a case that's information only, and it's the sexual assault of a child from potentially two other children. I had to find that. I didn't get that put on my desk. I had to find that because it was marked as information only."
A spokesperson for BPS sent the following statement:
"The Buffalo Public School District is aware of unfortunate and untrue recent allegations circulating in an online video.
The district is prepared to vigorously address these untruths.
The district has prioritized the safety and security of its students and staff every day. BPS is the second largest district in NYS with some 60 schools, 30,000 students, and 7,000 staff and any transgressions that may happen are handled swiftly with seriousness, integrity, fairness, and empathy.
The Buffalo Public Schools maintains a close and professional relationship with the Buffalo Police Department as a means to ensure that safety is a priority."
However, Hy says he has receipts to back his claims, including unanswered subpoenas.
"They're addressing these 'untruths.' Well, that's not a word, and they're definitely not going to put 'lies,' because if they say that I'm a liar, they can get repercussions for that, because what I'm stating in in these specific cases that I'm stating are well documented investigations by the Buffalo Police Department and by the district attorney's office," explained Hy. "I have audio evidence, talking with people, recorded conversations about how things have been mishandled intentionally by the buffalo public schools. The Assistant District Attorney's office has those unanswered subpoenas. Those are facts. Those are legitimate pieces of paper signed by a judge."
Hy believes it's not a matter of if he's going to be suspended—it's a matter of how long.
"I know there are good people in the Buffalo Police Department and in those higher ranks in the administration. Maybe they'll see it for what it is and say, 'Hey, Rich, you did a good thing. However, you went about it the incorrect way.' Maybe they'll give me a slap on the wrist, but I am expecting the Buffalo Public Schools to try to make an example out of me so that they can keep this stranglehold over their their workers, their teachers, counselors, principals, and show everybody that you shouldn't speak up against them and try to get me suspended or fired or use some sort of legal process as a weapon, stated Hy.
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John Davidson, President of the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, sent the statement to WBEN:
"Detective Richard Hy is a passionate detective in the Buffalo Police Department who prioritizes the wellbeing of the city’s most vulnerable victims. As a member of the US Armed Forces and a Law Enforcement Officer he does not shy away from the work he does to maintain his physical and mental health. His most recent podcast shows his passion for the job and his dedication to his mental health. Detective Hy is a valued member of the Buffalo PBA and has our support."