Introducing: Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD

The New York City Police Department’s origins reveal a history rooted in violence, corruption, and systemic control rather than simple public safety. While the official narrative frames policing as a service to protect the public, the department's foundations involve serving as the "muscle" for existing power structures. Historical accounts suggest early policing was intertwined with the kidnapping of self-emancipated people and the enforcement of oppressive systems. Host Chenjerai Kumanyika contrasts a child’s perception of police as protectors with the reality of the badge’s creation to protect specific interests. The term "organized crime" was originally applied to the police department itself, highlighting a legacy of institutionalized misconduct. In response to this state-sanctioned force, New Yorkers have historically forged independent visions of safety and engaged in organized resistance, including calls for armed rebellion against oppressive enforcement.