NYC Officer Secures $175K Settlement Over 'Courtesy Cards' Controversy

A New York City police officer, Mathew Bianchi, reached a $175,000 settlement with the city in a lawsuit over 'courtesy cards' given to friends and family to evade minor infractions. The lawsuit highlighted the misuse of these cards and the retaliation Bianchi faced for not honoring them.

A New York City police officer has reached a $175,000 settlement with the city in a lawsuit spotlighting the misuse of 'courtesy cards' distributed to evade minor infractions. The agreement, filed in Manhattan federal court Monday, concludes Officer Mathew Bianchi's case against his superiors.

The lawsuit revealed that Bianchi was punished for not honoring these cards, which are unofficially recognized and distributed by police unions to signal NYPD connections. Despite the settlement, the practice of using these cards remains unchanged.

Bianchi, a 40-year-old officer from Staten Island, continues to criticize the lack of oversight and protections for those opposing this system, labeling it a form of corruption. He hopes his actions will inspire other whistleblowers within the department. The settlement was confirmed by city officials but has not led to any major policy revisions regarding the cards.

Bianchi's career advances have stalled due to the lawsuit, but he remains resolute in his stance against the misuse of these cards, stating that doing what was right outweighed the repercussions he faced.

(With inputs from agencies.)