Statement from Police Commissioner O'Neill regarding verdict in Sgt. Hugh Barry case

February 15, 2018

Today's court decision determined that Sgt. Hugh Barry had no criminal culpability. It does not, however, make the loss of Deborah Danner's life any less tragic. Our police officers and their supervisors are committed to protecting lives – it's one of our core values. Our mission is to fight crime and keep everyone safe – the public as well as our police officers. Every day, officers respond to very difficult situations. It's not an easy job. But we, as a department and as individuals, must be accountable for our actions.

The NYPD has a responsibility to train and equip our officers to handle the many challenges they face, and to ensure our response to calls for service are measured and appropriate. The NYPD's disciplinary review of the tactical and supervisory decisions leading to the discharge of a firearm in this case will now proceed.