Panel on cop discipline gets an extension

Four months is not enough time to adequately review the NYPD’s disciplinary polices, a panel evaluating the department’s punitive process said.

The committee of three former feds — ex-Manhattan U.S. Attorney and Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Jo White, former Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Robert Capers and past Manhattan federal judge Barbara Jones — asked for an additional 90 days to probe how the NYPD monitors and reprimands officers accused of wrongdoing.

The trio has been interviewing police brass, union leaders and outside groups, including the New York Civil Liberties Union.

It has been investigating whether cops with connections get treated with kid gloves; if high-ranking NYPD officials meddle in cases; and whether there needs to be punishment guidelines for certain offenses.

The NYPD announced the panel at the end of June, following a series of Daily News stories that raised questions about how the department’s disciplinary process.

The series also looked at what critics refer to as “white shirt immunity,” for police bosses who are often cut breaks for things that lowerranking officers get stiff penalties for — and who have been accused of pulling strings to help out cops they like.

City Councilman Donovan Richards, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, subsequently called for a review of the NYPD’s disciplinary system.

The panel was expected to present its report to Police Commissioner James O’Neill this month, but was granted an extension this week.

The ex-feds said they have “worked diligently” to finish the job within the initial 120 days allotted.

“We have also begun an exhaustive review of many volumes of data in an effort to ensure that our report and recommendations are comprehensive and meaningful.

“Accordingly, we have requested an additional 90 days to complete our mandate.”

A police spokeswoman, said the extension was granted without any concern.