NYPD Bars Reckless Officer from Driving Squad Cars Amid Internal Affairs Probe

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has taken action to prevent Officer James Giovansanti from operating departmental vehicles as an internal affairs investigation into his driving record proceeds. This decision comes after a report revealed the officer’s extensive history of speeding violations.

Internal Affairs Investigation Launched

Inspector Eric Waldhelm of the 120th Precinct, where Officer Giovansanti is stationed, confirmed at a recent community meeting that the officer is currently under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB). This investigation is a direct result of the findings published by Streetsblog NYC, which detailed numerous instances of Giovansanti’s vehicle exceeding speed limits and running red lights. Waldhelm stated that Giovansanti has been “grounded,” meaning he is prohibited from driving an NYPD squad car alone, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Alarming Driving Record Revealed

Streetsblog’s initial report highlighted that Giovansanti’s pickup truck was caught by traffic cameras violating speed limits or running red lights on 547 occasions since 2022. The vehicle, a 4,800-pound RAM 1500 pickup truck, accumulated these infractions while the officer was on duty and off duty. The report identified Giovansanti as the second-most-dangerous driver in the city based on these violations.

Shift in NYPD’s Stance

The current disciplinary action marks a significant shift from the NYPD’s initial response to the revelations. Previously, a department spokesperson had downplayed the tickets, suggesting they were “under review” and unrelated to his job. However, the involvement of the Internal Affairs Bureau signifies a more serious and centralized inquiry, elevating the matter to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams’s administration. This suggests a move from a local precinct-level concern to a department-wide priority.

Community and Legislative Response

The Streetsblog report has prompted a strong reaction from New Yorkers, with some describing personal encounters with the officer’s reckless driving. In response to the widespread concern, state legislators have advanced a bill that would mandate speed limiters in vehicles for individuals like Giovansanti, often referred to as “super-speeders.”

Accountability and Policy Gaps

During the community meeting, residents raised concerns about how officers’ personal driving habits are monitored and addressed. Nicole Meyers, president of the NAACP’s Staten Island chapter, questioned the measures in place to hold officers accountable for their actions outside of standard working hours. Inspector Waldhelm’s response suggested a lack of awareness regarding officers’ personal driving records unless they escalate to criminal levels. However, Streetsblog noted that in New York State, such driving records are publicly accessible, implying that precinct supervisors like Waldhelm could access this information.

Furthermore, the NYPD’s patrol guide reportedly prohibits officers from receiving official parking placards for personal vehicles if they accumulate a certain number of red light or school speed camera violations within a year. This policy suggests an existing mechanism for monitoring and potentially addressing such behavior, raising questions about its consistent application. The NYPD, the IAB, Giovansanti’s union, and City Hall have not yet provided official comments on the ongoing investigation.

Key facts

The situation highlights ongoing challenges in police accountability, particularly concerning off-duty conduct and the enforcement of traffic laws by officers themselves. The internal affairs investigation will determine the extent of disciplinary action taken against Officer Giovansanti and may prompt further review of the NYPD’s policies regarding officer driving records and personal vehicle usage.

Source: Streetsblog NYC, https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/26/nypd-wont-let-super-speeder-cop-drive-squad-cars-as-internal-affairs-launches-probe-following-streetsblog-report