Policing the streets of New York City during the COVID pandemic: With a comparative angle

Abstract New York City, known as ‘the city that never sleeps’, was taken by surprise by the total lockdown, imposed on its residents in March 2020 as a result of the ongoing COVID pandemic. To say that nobody was prepared for this type of extreme lockdown is an understatement. The enforcement of the requirements to wear masks in public and the prohibition of outside gathering was placed on the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The NYPD appeared to be as unprepared for this new monitoring and enforcement role much as any other governmental institution. In addition to the pandemic, a wave of anti-police sentiments swept the USA, including New York City, leaving the NYPD exposed to violent demonstrations and lootings.