NYPD lieutenant retires for the second time in 2023 amid scrutiny over overtime payments.
An NYPD lieutenant facing scrutiny over his overtime pay has opted to retire, just two months after returning to the force following his initial retirement. Lieutenant Ira Jablonsky submitted his retirement papers on Wednesday, a move reportedly influenced by an ongoing investigation by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau into his reported overtime hours.
Jablonsky began his career with the NYPD in 2002 and spent a significant portion of his tenure in the Community Affairs Bureau, where he has worked extensively within the Orthodox Jewish community in South Brooklyn. Over the last three years, he consistently earned more than 0,000 in overtime pay, with public records indicating that he made a total of 0,000 last year. This figure includes approximately 3,000 in overtime beyond his base salary of 4,000.
The nature of Community Affairs work often necessitates varying shifts, nighttime community engagements, and participation in significant public events, such as protests and parades, which typically result in additional overtime compensation. However, it is noteworthy that Jablonsky’s records show he has not made any arrests throughout his career, a standard aspect of police work that can also yield overtime pay.
In February, Jablonsky initially retired amidst a crackdown on overtime practices directed by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. He rejoined the department on July 7, within a permissible timeframe, allowing retirees to reinstates their service. Following his return, the Internal Affairs Bureau launched an investigation into the overtime he reported during July and August. Subsequently, on August 27, he was administratively reassigned to the 25th Precinct in East Harlem—a common procedure for officers being investigated.
Following this transfer, it was reported that Jablonsky sought assistance from various public officials and contacts within the NYPD to advocate on his behalf to Commissioner Tisch. Although a letter was purportedly drafted to communicate his concerns, there is no indication that it was formally presented to the commissioner.
As Jablonsky prepares for his last day on the job, scheduled for October 9, questions remain about his eligibility for the so-called “good guy letter,” a document that retirees often use to secure gun licenses and pursue future positions in security or investigative roles in the private sector.
The case emerges amid ongoing scrutiny within the NYPD regarding overtime pay, following prior controversies and systemic issues related to overtime practices highlighted by the retirements of several high-ranking officials in the department. In the aftermath of recent allegations against senior officers, including the former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who departed under serious accusations, there has been a renewed commitment to tighten oversight on overtime hours. Commissioner Tisch has mandated the implementation of overtime compliance officers across all NYPD bureaus to uphold transparency and accountability in overtime expenditures.
This unfolding situation underscores the heightened scrutiny within the NYPD as it navigates public concern over operational integrity and fair compensation practices.
