Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

News

Police Sergeant Fined For Telling City Employee: 'I'm NYPD. I Shouldn't Have To Follow Protocols'

Jake Offenhartz

Published Mar 22, 2019

Modified Mar 24, 2019

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 .

Francis Dean/Shutterstock

Jake Offenhartz

Published Mar 22, 2019

Modified Mar 24, 2019

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 sergeant with a for-hire vehicle side business and a history of alleged misconduct has been fined by the city for attempting to use his badge to curry favor with the city's taxi regulator.

According to the Conflicts of Interest Board, Sergeant Howard Roth abused his city position and city resources while attempting to renew his for-hire vehicle license from a Taxi & Limousine Commission supervisor in 2017. In a settlement announced this week, Roth admitted to telling the supervisor, "I'm NYPD. I should not have to follow protocols," after he was informed that he'd have to renew his license online.

When that didn't work, Roth apparently informed the employee they "both work for the city and you should take care of this," before fuming that he gets "no respect" from the TLC.

Roth had previously received the police department's permission to operate the for-hire service on the condition he not use his police authority to "obtain any advantage for himself or his company, that he must not identify himself as a City employee, except in response to a direct inquiry, and that he must not use City resources, including his badge, in connection with his work for his company."

As a result of violating that agreement, Roth was hit with a $6,000 fine by the Conflicts of Interest Board.

Asked whether the sergeant would face any additional consequences from the NYPD, a police spokesperson told Gothamist, "Internal Affairs investigated the incident and found that there was no cause for discipline."

The sergeant, who has been on the force since 2010 and received a salary last year of $90,685, also has a history of alleged misconduct. According to a new database that tracks complaints against police officers, Roth has been named in at least six lawsuits, which have cost taxpayers $219,000.

Roth could not be reached for comment.

Tagged

coib

howard roth

nypd

police misconduct

Jake Offenhartz

Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE news

Early Addition: Spy magazine is doing a Substack pop-up

Because the "Irony Epidemic" is hitting inboxes in honor of Spy's 40th anniversary, here are your early links: West Village gated school street, Trump still promising $5,000 checks, butter is in and more.

James Ramsay

Published Oct 6, 2026 at 8:57 a.m. ET

Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says

Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.

Brittany Kriegstein

News

Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says

Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.

Brittany Kriegstein

After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief

David Brand

Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules

Samantha Max

Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey

Giulia Heyward

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 .