Police Commissioner Ray Kelly had harsh words Tuesday for a plan, backed by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, to create an office of the NYPD inspector general.
“There’s real cause for concern,” Kelly said of the plan, which aims to increase city oversight over his department. “I think putting in another layer of so-called supervision or monitoring can ultimately make this city unsafe.”
But as The Daily News reports, Kelly would not comment on whether he'd continue to serve as commissioner if Quinn wins the mayoral race this year.
According to reports, if Quinn should become the next mayor, she intends to keep Kelly as top cop.
Last Tuesday, Quinn announced that city council members had reached a "broad agreement" over the inspector general plan.
Proponents say the initiative would set up safeguards against some of the department's more controversial practices, including its use of stop and frisk, and its surveillance of Muslim communities.
Critics, most notably Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have blasted the plan as a threat to safety and are urging lawmakers to vote against it.
Speaking at an event last week, Bloomberg said, "Make no mistake about it: This bill jeopardizes that progress and will put the lives of New Yorkers and our police officers at risk."
Both Bloomberg and Kelly have staunchly defended the NYPD's use of stop and frisk.
The mayor also suggested Quinn's support was a matter of playing "election-year politics."
Despite Bloomberg's vow to veto the inspector general bill, Quinn said she would be able to guarantee an override.
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