[robnado]

Even if they are only used by family members of cops, this is still nepotism and should be punished. There is no valid reason for these cards to exist. Maybe I am naïve, but I still think that the law should apply equally to everyone.

[Ekaros]

I don't even think law should apply equally. I believe elected officials and people in roles like police or in legal system should be always held to absolutely highest impossible standards.

[wccrawford]

While I tend to agree, it would mean that criminals would use it to harass cops, which would end up having the opposite effect. More corruption, instead of less.

So they should be held to the same standards as everyone else, which is a safe, sane compromise between those ends.

[xnorswap]

Even if it's only used by cops or family members it's still naked corruption.

It's not nepotism or any lesser thing, it's outright corruption.

It's also clear sign that you're living in a police state when the police and those of their choosing appear to be above the law.

[tokai]

Nepotism is corruption.

[bediger4000]

Part of the emoluments of enforcing the law has always been at least partial immunity from the law, and not just during official duties.

[kevin_thibedeau]

I know a retired NYPD officer who would hand them out to non-family as Christmas gifts every year.

[lolinder]

Yeah, the weirdest part of the article was it talking about "misuse" of the cards and acting like the number of cards distributed is the problem. It wouldn't be better if each officer received one card to give to their SO or if an active NYPD badge were the only thing that got you preferential treatment—the problem is that there exists a way to signal to the officer who pulled you over that they'll get in trouble if they ticket you.

I'm sure the card started as a cute novelty, but the instant it became a signal that someone is above the law it became a problem no matter how few were in circulation at the time.