I wanted to express my graditude to both your publications and Mr. Clifford Jackson for his recent story on Frank Serpico.
My grandfather served in the NYPD when Serpico was also an officer, and continued to serve during and after Serpico’s testimony before the Knapp Commission.
Like Serpico, my grandfather was unwilling to join with the many, many officers at the time in the NYPD who were taking money to look the other way for drug dealers. Because of this and like Serpico, my grandfather was ostracizedin the NYPD, and was unable to find a partner for several years. Mr. Jackson wrote, “Frank Serpico faced hatred, isolation from his fellow officers and essentially became a pariah within the NYPD. He was shot in the face in 1971 responding to a robbery that he and others suspect was a set up by higher ups within the nypd.
“Frank Serpico because of all of his revelations about systemic corruption within the nypd was force to retire in 1972. He has continued to speak out against the “ blue wall of science” that has protected police officers when they have engaged in corruption and police brutality , lecturing around the country.”
Like Serpico, my grandfather refused to take a bribe. He once returned a bowling bag filled with $125,000 to the Precinct and was asked why he was returning it?
My grandfather was one of the first in the NYPD to receive a bullet-proof vest in the 1970’s. Shortly after that, he was shot and the vest saved his life. I hope that someone comes forward to write about my grandfather, and the courage he displayed in many ways.
And I thank Mr. Jackson for reminding all of us that ineed, a “Hippie Cop” like Serpico and my grandfather were among the most honest and courageous of all.
Katie Murphy, Mahopac