The source also said his colleagues were now only arresting felons when they had to, for instance when catching a shoplifter.
New York police have also been instructed to respond to calls with at least two patrol cars, according to a directive from the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, which is an association of police labor unions. So far, this has led to a bigger response time due to a lack of manpower.
NYPD has been in a standoff with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio after police officers literally turned their backs on the mayor during his televised tribute speech at the funeral of the fallen officer, Rafael Ramos. Lawmen have accused de Blasio of failing to stand by their side at a time when police were a target for criticism over what is largely perceived as illegal shootings of innocent African-Americans.
Public outcry has led to months of protests and violent clashes in New York and across the United States, with policemen fearing for their lives while on duty.
