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Feds search NYPD school safety office in Queens amid scrutiny over contracts, source says
By
Jessica Gould
and
Charles Lane
Published Oct 10, 2024
Modified Oct 11, 2024
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By
Jessica Gould
and
Charles Lane
Published Oct 10, 2024
Modified Oct 11, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
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Federal investigators searched the Queens headquarters of the NYPD’s School Safety Division on Thursday, according to reports and a person with knowledge of the search.
The search comes as the NYPD has been facing scrutiny for $67,000 worth of contracts obtained by SaferWatch, a company that makes panic buttons for public schools, according to city records. SaferWatch was listed as a client of Terence Banks, a lobbyist and brother of outgoing Schools Chancellor David Banks. It’s the latest in a series of investigations involving the Adams administration.
Police officials did not immediately confirm the search. A spokesperson for the union representing school safety agents declined to comment.
A spokesperson for the Department of Investigation also declined to comment. The agency is reportedly investigating the contracts obtained with help from Terence Banks.
Terence Banks and his government relations firm have been thrust into the spotlight after federal investigators seized the phones of him and his brothers, including David Banks and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.
In a tweet Friday morning, Phil Banks defended his brother Terence.
"To reporters who are interested in reporting both sides of a story: Saferwatch had a contract with the nypd school safety division before they knew Terence banks. After they entered into a client arrangement with Terence they received NO additional contract from school safety," Phil Banks wrote.
Tagged
new york city
queens
public safety
education
Jessica Gould
Jessica is the education reporter for WNYC and Gothamist. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica reported on the shutdown and reopening of the nation’s largest school system, highlighting the unprecedented impacts on learning, health and mental health for students, staff and families. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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