The NYPD Detectives’ Endowment Association honored The Post at a breakfast ceremony in the Bronx on Wednesday, recognizing the newspaper’s excellence in covering policing and public safety across New York City.
“That’s our paper, right?” DEA President Scott Munro told attendees gathered in Throggs Neck. “That’s the paper we look at and the paper we rely on to get our information out. We want to honor them today.”
Munro praised The Post’s work with law enforcement, saying the newspaper has helped highlight the challenges facing detectives, including the department’s staffing losses and the need for stronger incentives to retain officers. “For the last two years, since this board took over, we’ve done a lot of great things out there, getting information out with their help,” he said. “It’s a story about losing detectives and getting enhancements for people to stay on this job.”
The union leader credited The Post with comprehensive coverage of crime in all five boroughs, as well as the pressures confronting New York’s Finest amid staffing shortages, administrative hurdles and changes to the state’s criminal justice laws.
“I know it’s our paper too, because you don’t have to pay for it online,” Munro added, drawing laughter from the crowd. “Cops won’t pay for it. You’ve got to pay for the Daily News and all the other pages, and of course The Times.”
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Members of The Post’s police bureau attended the event alongside Editor-in-Chief Keith Poole, who accepted the award on behalf of the newspaper. Poole was recognized as a driving force behind The Post’s police and crime coverage in the city and beyond.
“Thank you, Scott, and thank you to the DEA for representing the interests of the detectives who keep this city safe,” Poole said. “You and your members not only have to deal with criminals, but also with an increasing number of loud voices and lawmakers advancing criminal justice policies that many believe make your work harder and more dangerous.”
Poole said he was accepting the honor on behalf of The Post, particularly its crime team, and called on the audience to applaud its members. “I often joke that they succeed not because of me, but in spite of me,” he said. “But without their tireless work, the story of your sacrifice, dedication, professionalism and the challenges you face would never be told as powerfully.”
The DEA is one of the largest unions representing NYPD officers and command staff. The Police Benevolent Association represents the department’s largest membership.