New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Podcast

Two NYPD detectives were modified following a controversial incident inside a Brooklyn liquor store, and the situation is already raising serious questions about use of force, accountability, and the reality of policing in New York City.

In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down:

What led up to the encounter inside the liquor store
The actions taken by the detectives on scene
Why both detectives were modified pending investigation
How incidents like this are judged by the public vs. the law

This is another example of...

In episode 60 of the Executive Perspective, Ron and special guest co-host retired NYPD Inspector Joe Courtesis delve into recent cases that have resulted in the arrests of individuals who were misidentified using facial recognition technology. Joe, an expert in this field, will shed light on the causes of these errors, exploring whether they stem from technological limitations, investigative oversights, or a lack of awareness among law enforcement about best practices and policies regarding facial recognition.

As the future of policing increasingly relies on advanced technology, the conversation shifts to the potential violations of public constitutional rights and...

Is New York City heading toward a fully socialist model under Zohran Mamdani?

In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down Mamdani’s first 100 days agenda and what it could mean for public safety, policing, and everyday life in NYC.

From the push for free grocery stores to the expansion of the Department of Community Safety (DCS), the city is experimenting with a completely new approach to governance. But is it sustainable—and more importantly, is it safe?

We also dive into:

The real role of the De...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down the shocking reality facing Staten Island that it has fewer NYPD officers on the street today than in the 1960s, despite massive population growth.

What does this mean for public safety?
Is Staten Island being ignored by NYC leadership?
And how does this fit into the broader shift in policing policy across New York City?

We dive into:

The NYPD staffing crisis and its real impact on Staten Island
How population growth has outpaced police resources
Th...

In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down the sentencing of NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran and what it means for policing, accountability, and public safety in New York City.

Was this a justified sentenceor another example of the system turning its back on proactive police work?

Retired NYPD Lieutenants John Macari & Eric Dym along with retired NYPD Detectives Marlon Bethel & Mike Smith deep dive into:

The details surrounding Sgt. Erik Duran’s case
The legal standards of use of force under Graham v. Connor
How this sent...

In the Executive Perspective episode 59, Ron and Rob delve into the controversy surrounding New York State Attorney General Tish James’s prosecution of an NYPD officer for an off-duty fatal accident. The officer is accused of being under the influence of alcohol. The state has the authority to investigate and prosecute any law enforcement officer for offenses committed on or off duty, regardless of whether they are related to their police duties. The episode raises the question of why law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of accountability compared to non-law enforcement officers.

Furthermore, they di...

Join us on New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered as we sit down with New York gubernatorial candidate Larry Sharpe to discuss his vision for the future of New York.

Sharpe, a Libertarian candidate and former Marine, breaks down his policies on crime, the economy, government overreach, and what he believes is needed to fix New York.

About Larry Sharpe:

Larry Sharpe is a businessman, entrepreneur, Marine Corps veteran, and political activist. He previously ran for Governor of New York in 2018 and 2022 and is now a candidate in the 2026 race.

He bu...

Auto theft is surging across New York City and it’s not random. Organized car theft rings and reckless “car takeover” events are putting NYC residents, businesses, and police officers at serious risk.

Join John & Marlon on New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered as they break down:

The rise of organized auto theft rings in NYC
How illegal car takeovers are being coordinated
Why current policies are failing to stop repeat offenders
What this means for public safety across the five boroughs
The broader impact on NYPD operations and response strategies

Th...

In the Executive Perspective episode 58, Ron and Rob will explore the recent New York City Council bills that mandate the NYPD to establish 100-foot “security perimeters” around houses of worship, schools, and educational facilities. This move follows recent pro-Palestinian protests in NYC and Queens targeting synagogues.

Additionally, they’ll discuss the NYPD’s recent change in reporting requirements for hate crimes. These crimes will only be reported after investigation and confirmation by the Hate Crimes Task Force. Is this transparency as Police Commissioner Tisch claims, or is it a manipulation of reported hate crimes data to conceal a signif...

Corruption, chaos, and consequences in NYC.

Join The Finest Unfiltered as we break down the latest developments shaking New York City:

NYC Corruption Scandal — What’s really going on behind these migrant contracts?
️ The Diller Verdict — A decision that’s igniting outrage across the city
7-Month-Old Murdered — The devastating reality of gang violence
Public Safety Crisis — How leadership decisions are impacting the streets

This is the conversation you’re not getting anywhere else — direct, unfiltered, and rooted in real NYPD experience.

SPONSORED BY THE KEY – NYPD’s Premier Promotional Exam Prep<...

In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we sit down with retired NYPD Captain John Monaghan to break down his life, career, and mission after the NYPD.

From his time rising through the ranks in one of the toughest police departments in the world to becoming a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, expert witness, author, and founder of The Key, Monaghan shares the experiences that shaped his leadership and his continued impact on law enforcement.

We dive into:

His journey through the NYPD
Leadership lessons from the rank of Captain

In the Executive Perspective episode 56, Ron and Rob explore Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Tisch’s announcement regarding the codification of the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) policy. They examine whether this policy will enhance transparency and improve police-community relations.
Additionally, they discuss the recent NYC Council bill that would grant the Civilian Complaint Review Board independent access to BWC footage and the authority to generate complaints based on the footage. Where does the bill stand today?

Furthermore, they delve into the recent manslaughter conviction of a former New York State Trooper who initiated a high-speed pursuit that tragically re...

HYPOCRISY ON FULL DISPLAY IN NYC

The so-called “No Kings” protests claim to stand against authority and power… yet the reality tells a very different story.

In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, we break down the contradictions behind the movement, the dangerous political narratives shaping NYC, and how it all ties into the latest NYPD and City Hall decisions impacting public safety.

We cover:

The hypocrisy behind the “No Kings” protests
How political agendas are influencing public safety strategy
The continued push to weaken NYPD response cap...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Eric and Marlon discuss recent news of New York City declining to continue representing former Eric Adams officials Jeffrey Maddrey and Tim Pearson in their respective sexual harassment lawsuits. Was this entire ordeal a reflection of the NYPD leadership culture and political loyalties inside One Police Plaza?

In light of the recent news of NYC's oncoming fiscal difficulties, what does this ultimately mean for taxpayers and could more inquiries of Adam's Administration improprieties be underway?

The Finest Unfiltered provides an inside perspective on what the pu...

NYC Council is pushing policies that could weaken NYPD Counterterrorism operations and the consequences could be serious.

In this episode, we break down how new political decisions, protest restrictions, and anti-police legislation are impacting the NYPD’s ability to prevent and respond to terrorism threats in New York City.

At the beginning of this episode, we are joined by Retired NYPD Captain George Misfud of The Key, who breaks down everything NYPD officers need to know about the upcoming Sergeant’s Exam — and how to properly prepare to succeed.

We also dive into:

...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Eric and Marlon discuss recent news of an off-duty NYPD Cop being involved in a shooting in the Kingsbridge section of the bronx. What's going on here and Why hasn't there been any updates from One Police Plaza? Was this even a good idea on the part of the officer?

Could there be some NYPD perception management here?

The Finest Unfiltered provides an inside perspective on what the public may not be seeing and why events like this should concern every New Yorker.

Re...

In the Executive Perspective episode 57, Ron and Rob will delve into the recent New York Post article that highlights the significant number of NYPD members with over 20 years of service who are eligible for retirement. They will explore Mayor Mamdani’s plan to drastically reduce overtime, which could impact their pension totals and potentially force these officers to retire to secure their financial future.

Furthermore, they will discuss the ongoing decline in morale within the NYPD under Mayor Mamdani’s leadership. This decline is attributed to his anti-police rhetoric and lack of support, particularly in light of thre...

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In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Podcast John, Eric & Marlon break down a real incident where a suspect, already in handcuffs, is actively biting an officer d...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, John, Eric and Marlon break down NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Department of Community Safety (DCS) , a new agency that could fundamentally reshape how 911 calls are handled.

Here’s what you need to know:

Over 4.3 million 911 calls handled by the NYPD in 2024

More than 123,000 emotionally disturbed person (EDP) calls

Now, City Hall wants to shift responsibilities away from the police

But here’s the real question…

Who shows up when things go bad?
Can civilians handle unpredicta...

A terrorist attack was narrowly avoided at a protest in New York City on Saturday after two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were deployed but failed to detonate.

The incident has raised serious questions about public safety, protest security, and the NYPD’s response posture at mass gatherings.

In this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered, John, Eric & Marlon breaks down the facts surrounding the failed attack, including:

• What actually happened at the protest
• The role of counterterrorism and protest policing
• Why mass protests are considered soft targets for terrorism
• Th...

On the Executive Perspective episode 55, Ron and Rob delve into the NYPD’s preparedness and response to the ISIS-inspired improvised explosive device (IED) attack in New York City over the weekend. They scrutinize the limitations imposed on the NYPD by the 2023 Protest Settlement Agreement signed by Mayor Eric Adams and now enforced by Mayor Mamdani. They question how these limitations hindered the NYPD’s ability to maintain public order leading up to the bombing attempts.

They will give their executive perspective on the response by the NYPD and its leadership in the aftermath of the attempted bombing atta...

On this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, retired NYPD Lieutenants John Macari and Eric Dym sit down with former New York City Councilman Bob Holden to discuss the wave of legislation passed over the last several years that many believe has weakened the NYPD and undermined public safety in New York City.

Holden, one of the few voices in the City Council who consistently pushed back against anti-police legislation, breaks down how laws like the How Many Stops Act, expanded oversight mandates, and other policing reforms have changed the way officers operate on the streets.

...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered John, Eric and Marlon break down the alarming incident in which an explosive device was thrown during a protest in New York City.

Thankfully the device failed to cause mass casualties, but the incident raises serious questions about crowd control, protest security, and whether the NYPD was properly prepared to handle a potential terrorist-style threat in one of the busiest cities in the world.

In this episode we discuss:

• What actually happened during the NYC protest
• How the explosive device was deployed
...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered John, Eric and Marlon break down a disturbing video showing a masked man walking through Times Square with what appeared to be a gun.

The weapon later turned out to be a toy gun, but the situation raises serious questions about public safety, policing policy, and the NYPD’s ability to proactively stop potential threats in one of the most heavily populated areas in the world.

Years ago, behavior like this may have resulted in a Stop, Question & Possible Frisk, allowing officers to identify the indi...

On this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, John & Eric sit down with Navy veteran and Attorney Greg Hach, candidate for New York's 3rd Congressional District, to discuss his platform and vision for NY-3.

Greg Hach lays out his positions on:

Border security and national sovereignty

Supporting law enforcement and public safety

Crime and bail reform

Inflation and the cost of living in NY

Government accountability and constitutional principles

With NY-3 playing a critical role in determining the balance of power in Congress, this race could...

On this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, John, Eric & Marlon break down the growing political and leadership divide inside New York City following the Washington Square Park snow incident.

After officers were struck and injured, NYPD leadership signaled zero tolerance. Meanwhile, political voices downplayed the incident. The result? A public split that looks more like a Cold War inside City Hall and 1 Police Plaza.

Is this a disagreement, political theatre or a deeper fracture inside NYC leadership?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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On this episode of The Finest Unfiltered John, Eric & Marlon break down the controversial decision by the Manhattan District Attorney to drop assault charges stemming from the Washington Square Park snowball incident.

What was initially described as a “snowball fight” resulted in injuries to NYPD officers and arrests including a suspect previously arrested for attempted robbery in the transit system. Yet now, the Manhattan DA has decided not to pursue assault charges.

Was this harmless winter chaos?
Or was it a clear violation of NYS Penal Law?

We discuss:

• The timeli...

In episode 53 of the Executive Perspective, Ron and Rob investigate the recent snowball and ice attack, injuring at least 2 NYPD officers in Washington Square Park. They highlight the lack of leadership at the scene and in the immediate aftermath, which they believe reflects the current state of policing. They also discuss Mayor Mamdani’s response to the incident, describing it as “kids throwing snowball at NYPD officers.” The hosts explore the consequences of this leadership failure, including low morale, retention issues, and poor recruitment of new hires. They offer their insights on what effective leadership should do in today’s challe...

On this episode of New York’s Finest: Retired & Unfiltered Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Castro, candidate for New York State Assembly representing Queens.

From public safety and quality-of-life issues to small businesses, schools, and the direction of Albany, Castro lays out why he’s running and what he believes needs to change.

We discuss:

• The current state of Queens politics
• Crime & public safety policy
• Small business struggles in NYC
• What Albany is getting wrong
• Why he believes voters are ready for a shift

Queens is one of the mos...

On this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, John Macari, Eric Dym, and Marlon Bethel discuss Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s prosecution of two NYPD officers he is accusing of “covering up” a drunk driving crash involving an off-duty NYPD cop.

The off-duty officer involved in the crash was ultimately arrested and prosecuted yet Bragg is now pursuing charges against responding officers, claiming misconduct in the handling of the scene.

Is this a legitimate corruption case, or just another politically charged prosecution targeting NYPD officers?

We break down:

What actually happened the night...

Did NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani just cancel the plan to hire 5,000 new NYPD officers?

In this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, we break down the reported decision to halt the proposed NYPD hiring expansion and what it means for New York City’s public safety, crime response, police staffing levels, and overtime costs.

With the NYPD already facing recruitment challenges, attrition, and below-authorized headcount in multiple precincts, canceling 5,000 new hires could have major operational consequences. Is this a budget decision, a political statement, or part of a broader shift in NYC policing policy?

We...

In episode 52 of the Executive Perspective, Ron and Rob discuss the discretion officers have during stops, including issuing warnings, civil or criminal summonses, or making arrests for minor offenses. They investigate whether officers are exercising discretion more often or are simply using it as an excuse to avoid taking action. Additionally, they explore the political implications of these decisions.

They will also discuss the recent appointments by Police Commissioner Tisch of Cardinal Dolan and Rev A.R. Bernard as the new spiritual leaders for the NYPD. As always, everyone is invited to join in the live chat.<...

In this episode of The Finest Unfiltered, we break down Zohran Mamdani’s budget proposal, the numbers behind it, and what it means for public safety, infrastructure, and the future of New York City. Budgets don’t lie they show you exactly who and what is valued and what and who isnt.

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In this episode, we break down NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's latest Executive Action aimed at "Trump Proofing" NYC from ICE Illegal Immigrant crackdowns. Is this part of a larger coordinated push with other Big City Mayors? We break it down. Jump into our live chat for some lively discussion.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order prohibiting federal immigration authorities from entering city-owned properties, such as schools and hospitals, without a judicial warrant. The order also restricts city agencies from sharing residents' personal data with ICE to ensure that all New Yorkers can access public services without...

In this episode, we break down the federal bribery indictment of former NYPD Inspector Kevin Taylor, the former Commanding Officer of the School Safety Division.

Federal prosecutors allege Taylor accepted luxury travel to Las Vegas and the Bahamas, entertainment, and other benefits from a technology executive in exchange for using his official authority to influence NYPD procurement decisions including the expansion of a school panic-button system and a multimillion-dollar vest contract

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On Episode 51 of the Executive Perspective, special guest Retired Deputy Chief Mike Marino and Rob delve into the recent decision of Judge Guy Mitchell to find Sgt Erik Duran guilty of second degree manslaughter. Sentencing will be March 19th 2026 and we will discuss the possible decision by the same judge who found him guilty, as well as training within the NYPD and the implications of relying on instinct. The incident involved an on duty sergeant throwing a cooler at a fleeing perpetrator on a scooter causing the scooter and the male to crash. The male succumbed to his injuries.<...

In this episode, we break down the NYPD’s 2026 State of the Union, including key statements from the NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. We discuss the good, bad and the ugly !

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On this episode we discuss NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran being found guilty of manslaughter, a verdict that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement ranks and reigniting debates over police training, use-of-force standards, and political accountability in New York City.

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New York City Council members are once again calling to “demilitarize” the NYPD, reviving familiar demands to scale back specialized units and disband the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group (SRG) altogether.

In this episode, we break down what demilitarization actually means, why SRG continues to be a political target, and how crowd control, counterterrorism, and public order policing are being intentionally mischaracterized in today’s political climate.

We’ll also cover the latest NYC news, including policy decisions that affect public safety, morale inside the NYPD, and the growing disconnect between City Hall rhetoric and real-world...

On Episode 50 of the Executive Perspective, Ron and Rob delve into the recently released Body Worn Camera footage of a police-involved shooting in Queens. The incident involved a male who charged at the officers with a knife. Mayor Mamdani is using this incident to justify his Department of Community Safety (DCS) stance, arguing that police should not respond to individuals experiencing mental crises. They will explore the potential dangers faced by social workers in the absence of police presence.

The discussion will also cover the city’s responses to the recent “Code Blue” in New York City, includ...