From Undocumented to Detective

The Brian Lehrer Show | Jan 12, 2016

Luke Waters, retired NYPD homicide detective and author of NYPD Green: A Memoir (Touchstone, 2016), reflects on his career in the NYPD after starting as an undocumented Irish immigrant.

Waters was on the force when Bratton was appointed by Mayor Giuliani in the mid-1990s. He calls them "an outstanding team" who were very aggressive on policing. Reflecting on the state of the city's policing today, he said: "Mayor de Blasio, to me, has the best commissioner New York's ever seen."

Brian asked him about police bias and racial profiling, to which Waters offered this advice to people:

"When these incidents do happen, don’t be the judge and the juror. If you want to protest, protest peacefully. That is your right...Let the criminal justice system take its course."

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods and What Are They Doing to Us?

Kevin Hall discusses his groundbreaking research tracking how bodies respond to ultra-processed foods.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mayor Mamdani on the Knicks' Victory

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani drops in to talk about the Knicks' win and the city's celebrations.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

How Big AI money is shaping the marquee Manhattan congressional primary

Super PACs have poured nearly $30 million into the race, with a large chunk of that connected to Assemblymember Alex Bores’ stance on AI.

Gothamist |

How to be a Good New York City Tour Guide

All Of It with Alison Stewart |