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To Whom It May Concern

The NYPD has long been known to support and respect the religious views of its members and to accommodate their practices.  I, myself have always supported the respect that is given to those that honor their religious obligations.  However, recently it has come to my attention how badly this accommodation has been abused and manipulated to give those individuals an edge over their coworkers.  

The 2015 Lieutenants exam was given on Saturday April 18th 2015.  Thousands of Sergeants that gave up personal time with their families to vigorously study for months took that exam.  Unfortunately for those Sergeants, they took that exam without the slightest clue as to what to expect, or even how many questions would be on the exam (research questions.)  They were the test dummies for the Sergeants that would take the exam more than two months later on Monday June 22nd 2015.  Amongst others, these were the Sergeants that were given the privilege to take this exam on a non-Sabbath day.  I, nor do I believe anybody else questions the departments judgment in not forcing Sabbath observers to choose between their religion and a promotional exam, however the advantage given to these individuals is so unfair its possibly corrupt.  

Like most promotional exams, there is usually a curve ball that tests the examinees ability to focus under pressure.   Whether it be, extra research questions, a difficult In Basket, or in this exams case, multiple Operation Orders questions.  That knowledge alone can be the determining factor between passing and failing, but it goes further than that.  These June test takers had the ability to study for two extra months, discuss questions with those who took the exam already, and narrow their memorization of patrol guide procedures to specific areas that they were informed would be tested.    

As a Lieutenant, who has worked extremely hard for my rank, I find it disturbing that this lack of integrity is so blindly ignored by our department and never challenged by any of our unions.  The ease of members of service to claim religious observance for a promotional exam, yet not at their own command, is at best blatant lack of oversight.  It seems a simple solution to this problem would be all test takers to be given the exam on a Monday or any other day that works best to accommodate all members of service.  There is no need to give any individual such a drastic advantage over another on such an important, life changing opportunity.  

The last couple of years have been very damaging to the morale of the rank and file of this department and this issue is long overdue to be addressed by our representatives.  I demand integrity and hard work from my subordinates.  It would be a shame if those that lack that integrity soon became my supervisors.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

--Written in November 2015 and submitted to department and union. It seems everyone is terrified to be the one to address it. It's disgusting. Perhaps everyone needs to write one of their own and submit to their respective union representatives as well as the department. Maybe then, they'll seriously consider changing this corrupt policy.