NYPD turns its back on Mayor De Blasio

[branford]

44. That's simply not true.

First, the military is virtually unique in that its members voluntarily abrogate many of their constitutional rights while actively serving. Police and other municipal workers maintain their constitutional protections.

Second, the police are unionized and subject to a collective bargaining agreement. They cannot be arbitrarily disciplined, and the reasons, type and extent of punishments are strictly regulated and subject to appeal. There is also an entire body of law about public employees conduct outside of work, it very strongly favors the employees, and your conclusory statements do not reflect the actual jurisprudence.

Third, the police conduct constituted collective action by covered workers and therefore subject to additional labor protections.

Fourth, the Joint Chiefs are presidential appointments, and thus political positions. The president can fire a member of the joint chiefs from his position at his discretion. He cannot, however, discharge them or a common military member from the service outside of the U.C.M.J.