A New York City police officer has secured a $175,000 settlement in a lawsuit that spotlighted the use of “courtesy cards,” a controversial practice where police officers distribute cards to friends and family to help them avoid traffic violations. The settlement was finalized on Monday in Manhattan federal court.
Officer Claims Retaliation for Refusing to Honor Cards
The lawsuit was filed by Officer Mathew Bianchi, a Staten Island-based officer, who alleged that his superiors retaliated against him for issuing traffic tickets despite drivers presenting these courtesy cards. Bianchi, 40, claimed he was punished for refusing to honor the unofficial practice, which he described as a form of corruption.
The cards, which typically feature an NYPD badge image and the name of a police union, are given out to officers by the city’s police unions. These cards are often used by the cardholders to avoid minor traffic infractions, such as speeding or seat belt violations.
Settlement Reached, but No Policy Changes
While the $175,000 settlement resolves Bianchi’s claims, it does not include any changes to how the cards are used or monitored by the NYPD. The department has long considered the courtesy cards as an unofficial perk, but they are not formally recognized.
Bianchi expressed frustration over the continued use of the cards, calling for more oversight on their distribution. “My approach to how I handle them is not going to change,” Bianchi said. “I’m still going to go out there and do exactly what I feel is right.”
Career Setback After Ticketing High-Ranking Officer’s Friend
According to the lawsuit, Bianchi was reprimanded multiple times for writing tickets to individuals who produced courtesy cards. The tipping point came in the summer of 2022 when he issued a ticket to a driver who was a friend of Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the NYPD. Bianchi said he was subsequently removed from his traffic unit assignment and reassigned to night patrol duties.
Despite the settlement, Bianchi revealed that his career advancement within the department has been blocked. “They’ve denied me for everything,” he said, noting that his superiors have not been subtle about why his applications for promotions have been rejected.
