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NYC watchdog launches investigation into NYPD custody deaths
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 23, 2025
Modified Sep 23, 2025
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John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 23, 2025
Modified Sep 23, 2025
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New York City's Department of Investigation has launched an investigation into deaths in NYPD custody — information that emerged during a City Council hearing on Monday, where lawmakers pressed police officials about what they called an "alarming string” of deaths.
A DOI spokesperson confirmed the investigation, but said it’s too early to describe the scope.
So far this year, nine people have died in NYPD custody, according to the department. At least four had been arrested for low-level offenses, a growing trend. Police reported 25 such deaths last year and 18 in 2023. Officials said those deaths aren’t always caused by police actions and some stem from drug overdoses or medical emergencies.
Police have not disclosed the names or charges for all of those who died. But the state attorney general's office has released two additional names: Pedro Valle, who died July 16 in Queens, and Ramon Diaz, who died Feb. 25, also in Queens. The attorney general’s office is still investigating six of the 25 deaths in 2024, according to data from the office.
The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division reviews each in-custody death, but its findings aren’t public.
During Monday’s hearing, City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán pressed for transparency. Deputy Commissioner for Legal Matters Michael Gerber promised limited disclosure.
"I can certainly say that we will share with the public the conclusions from those investigations," Gerber said. "I can't say that I'm going to give you the work product that goes into that."
Unsatisfied, Cabán said she wanted "something beyond just where you landed, but to show how you got there.”
The DOI investigation comes after renewed calls for oversight from public defenders representing five city organizations.
They urged the Council to inspect central booking locations, assign independent EMS workers to courthouse holding cells and give the Civilian Complaint Review Board automatic authority to investigate all in-custody deaths.
Cabán said she hopes the proposals will be taken seriously.
The attorney general's Office of Special Investigation investigates deaths potentially caused by officers and the State Commission of Correction reviews some cases. But many in-custody deaths face no outside scrutiny.
Unlike deaths at Rikers Island, which trigger public reports by the Board of Correction, details on deaths in NYPD custody have largely remained opaque.
This story has been updated with new information.
Tagged
Politics
new york city
public safety
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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