Correction Officers' Union Donations To Bronx DA Raise Questions Of Independence

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

The Bronx district attorney has raised thousands of dollars from the union representing corrections officers at the Rikers Island jail complex, even though she'd be the one prosecuting any guard accused of wrongdoing at the jail complex.

According to a report by the news site, The City, Clark has raised about $22,000 from the Correction Officers Benevolent Association since April 2018 for her political campaign. That's more than any other district attorney candidate in recent history.

"Other district attorneys have adopted policies to not accept donations from parties with business before them, including defendants, defense attorneys, and other parties, and it seems Darcel Clark has not adopted a similar policy," The City reporter Ese Olumhense told WNYC's Jami Floyd. "She can prosecute these officers, but accepting donations from their union sends the message that her independence may in some way be affected or compromised by those gifts."

Neither the Bronx District Attorney's office nor the Correction Officers Benevolent Association commented on The City's story.

Clark is running unopposed for re-election in Tuesday's election.

For the full conversation, click "Listen."