NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The NYPD has temporarily suspended all solo patrols in response to violent protests over the police custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In a Saturday morning memo to all officers, following a chaotic and violent night of protests in Brooklyn, the department said it is prohibiting officers from conducting solo patrols regardless of bureau, command or assignment.
During Friday night's protest, one demonstrator was arrested on attempted murder charges after police said she tossed a Molotov cocktail at a marked police van occupied by several officers. The device did not ignite and the officers were unharmed.
NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan told WCBS 880 that one protester was armed with a firearm and numerous knives were recovered.
"I don't want to have any opportunity for something to happen where one of my cops is caught alone. So no solo patrols. We always have at least two cops so that there's someone to keep an eye on one another," Monahan said. "This is a dangerous time to be a police officer. Actions of someone in Minneapolis has put 800,000 law enforcement officers around this country in danger, so this is not a great time, but we will get through this like we do everything else."
The Police Benevolent Association said the directive must be adhered to under all circumstances.
"Once again, our mission is to make sure each of us goes home safely at end of tour," PBA President Patrick Lynch said.