By Eric S Dym, The Finest Unfiltered
Once symbols of heritage, unity, and pride, the NYPD’s fraternal organizations—like the Hispanic Society, Emerald Society, and others—are increasingly looking more like political clubs than cultural brotherhoods.
This week’s photo op summed it up; members of the NYPD Hispanic Society smiling ear to ear alongside Andrew Cuomo, the man behind Bail Reform, Raise the Age, Discovery Law, lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and the repeal of 50-a. Cuomo’s parole board released 43 convicted cop killers, and his policies demoralized the same rank-and-file officers these groups claim to represent. Yet here they are, cheese-smiling for the cameras as if standing beside a hero.
It’s not loyalty—it’s opportunism front and center. Thus, the fraternals were never meant to serve as political vehicles or stepping-stones to City Hall. Their purpose was to unite officers through shared heritage and support—not to endorse politicians who built careers on emasculated law enforcement.
These days, it feels like the plaques and “Man of the Year” awards are pre-printed, just waiting for the name of whichever mayoral candidate wins. Once the results are in, cue the photo op, cue the handshake, cue the benefits.
This shift hurts more than reputations—it damages credibility. When fraternals cozy up to political figures who’ve undermined the profession, they alienate the officers who rely on them for representation and pride.
The NYPD’s fraternals once stood for strength and solidarity. Now, too often, they stand for access and alignment. The rank-and-file deserve better than photo ops with the architects of their struggles.
Until that changes, those smiles will keep looking less like brotherhood—and more like betrayal.