By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Samantha Horwitz and Dave Salerno

Imagine being a police officer, sworn to uphold the law and protect your community, only to discover that some of your own colleagues are corrupt and undermining the very principles you’re trying to defend. This is the harsh reality that many law enforcement officers face, and it’s a problem that can have far-reaching consequences for public trust and safety. As Sam Horwitz and David Solerno, hosts of A Badge of Honor TV, recently discussed with retired NYPD detective Robert DeMarco, the importance of internal affairs in maintaining integrity within police departments cannot be overstated.

The Role of Internal Affairs

DeMarco, who spent years working in internal affairs, shared his experiences with investigating corrupt officers and the challenges that come with it. ‘If accountability is anti-police, then people need to examine that and say, what’s wrong?’ he said. ‘Because that’s not anti-police.’ As DeMarco explained, internal affairs is not about targeting good officers, but rather about ensuring that those who wear the badge are held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

DeMarco’s own journey into internal affairs was motivated by a desire to keep the badge ‘shined and not dull.’ He believed that by investigating complaints and holding officers accountable, he could help maintain the trust and respect that the public has for law enforcement. However, this role often came with its own set of challenges, including pushback from colleagues who felt that internal affairs was unfairly targeting them.

The Consequences of Corruption

Corruption within police departments can have devastating consequences, not just for the officers involved, but also for the community they serve. As DeMarco noted, corrupt officers can put their colleagues’ lives in danger and undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement. This can lead to a breakdown in relationships between law enforcement and the community, making it more difficult to prevent and solve crimes.

DeMarco also shared his thoughts on how the media often portrays internal affairs, saying that it’s not always accurate. ‘If you think about some of the movies that they’ve released over the years that focus on internal affairs, would you say they do a fair job?’ he asked. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the role that internal affairs plays in maintaining integrity within police departments.

A New Perspective

DeMarco’s experiences have also inspired him to write a book, ‘The Line That Held,’ which explores the complexities of internal affairs and the challenges faced by those who work in this field. The book is a fictionalized account of his experiences, but it sheds light on the emotional truth of what it’s like to be an internal affairs detective.

In conclusion, the story of Robert DeMarco and his experiences with internal affairs serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability within police departments. As we strive to build trust and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, it’s essential that we recognize the critical role that internal affairs plays in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

The full episode of A Badge of Honor TV is available on OBBM Network TV.

Watch A Badge of Honor TV on OBBM Network TV: https://media.obbmnetwork.tv/embed/tv.html#series/a-badge-of-honor-tv