New Yorkers Can Give More than Just a Bronx Cheer to NYPD

Billy Parker

Published Jan 17, 2009

Modified Jan 17, 2009

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Billy Parker

Published Jan 17, 2009

Modified Jan 17, 2009

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

An NYPD spokesman this weekend cleared up a common curiosity: cursing at cops can't get you canned. NYPD's Paul Browne told the Times City section that New Yorkers were within their rights to mouth off at officers. In response to a reader's query "Are there any limits to what I can say to a New York police officer?" civil liberties lawyer Norman Sigel added, “It’s legally protected, and I advise people not to curse at anyone, including police officers, but if you do, it’s not grounds for an arrest.” The paper then clarified that threatening an officer or attempting to incite a riot however might not be the safest way to keep yourself on the right side of the law. Ironically, it's getting tougher for cops themselves to get away with dropping expletives...at least on the big screen.

Tagged

cursing

new york times

nypd

Billy Parker

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE news

Mamdani extends NYC racial equity leader's term after Council pushes back on replacement

Linda Tigani, the current chair of the Commission on Racial Equity, is expected to stay on in the role through July 2027.

Elizabeth Kim

Published Oct 28, 2026 at 4:31 p.m. ET

Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC

Anna Mochalova is accused of using a needle-like object to stab two men near the Diamond District earlier this month.

Giulia Heyward

News

Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC

Anna Mochalova is accused of using a needle-like object to stab two men near the Diamond District earlier this month.

Giulia Heyward

Ex-NYPD sergeant sentenced to 4-12 years in deadly drunken Taconic crash

Charles Lane

After being booed at integration forum, NYC chancellor praised by school parent leaders

Jessica Gould

Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says

Catalina Gonella

Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .