Do New York Police Officers Have A Duty To Protect You?

For many years, police departments across the nation have used some variation of the phrase 'to protect and serve' as a rallying cry for their mission in the community. It makes sense they would do that, especially since it's the people who empower them to protect the community and serve the people's needs.

With that comes the general expectation that the police will be there to keep you safe when you call on them. We all pretty much can agree that when you call your local police department or sheriff's office, they will be there to keep the peace and make sure you're secure.

However, you might be surprised to learn that it might not be the case from a legal standpoint.

You really will be surprised if you accept some legal agreements that have been made by lawyers for the New York Police Department; they really are not required to protect you or come to your rescue if they see you in distress or trouble.

According to The Gothamist, attorneys for the NYPD argue that officers in the Empire State were not required by the state constitution to protect a woman who was being attacked by an angry mob, and by extension, not required to protect you or me if they choose not to.

In April 2025, Amanda Luci was attacked by a mob in New York's Crown Heights neighborhood, and according to her lawsuit, officers stood by watching it happen and did nothing to protect her from being injured.

Do you expect the police to protect you if they see you in trouble? If so, what would you do if they did not?