‘P---y’ donor stirs review
THE NYPD’S top cop said Wednesday that the department will be reviewing the sex crime unit’s leadership, days after the Daily News reported the commander, Deputy Chief Michael Osgood, donated thousands of dollars to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign after he made the “p---y” comment.
“That’s going to be one of the first order of business — to take a good look at the Special Victims Unit,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said. “Look at their operations and to look at their leadership, so those answers will be coming in a couple of weeks.”
O’Neill said that it was a pro forma reevaluation for a new Chief of Detectives taking over in April, not because of Osgood’s financial support for Trump.
Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce retires April 16, with Chief Dermot Shea expected to succeed him.
Osgood (photo) gave $500 to Trump’s campaign four days after news broke about the President’s infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, in which he boasted about grabbing women.
Overall, the sex crimes chief contributed $2,810 over six weeks to Trump’s campaign after the tape was revealed, on top of $1,438 he donated earlier in 2016.
Osgood has not commented, but several advocacy groups say the contributions make it difficult for women to believe their complaints about sexual violence will be taken seriously.
The head of NOW’s city chapter, however, said Osgood’s political leanings are irrelevant.
O’Neill admitted it’s “not a simple question.”
“Everyone's got their First Amendment rights and they can contribute to the candidate of their choice, of course,” the commissioner said. “I really don’t want to do anything to challenge that. But this is a special case. Special Victims Division is unique.
“I think the commanding officer and all the investigators have to maintain the confidence of the survivors of sexual assault and the advocate community, so we need to consider that.”
Asked if Osgood would be removed from his post, O’Neill stressed “that’s not what I’m saying,” reiterating that Boyce’s replacement will “come in and take a look at the leadership, the entire leadership of Special Victims and the operations of the Special Victims unit.”
Mayor de Blasio, who was also in attendance, said he agreed with everything the commissioner said.
“I think he laid out the complexities and a smart way forward, the mayor added.