This solid documentary tells the story of the NYPD via pithy narration, quality production and a rich romp through archive recordings. There's even some surprising audio of Fiorello La Guardia urging new recruits to deal with "tinhorns" by giving them a "sock in the jaw". And yes, even Serpico makes an appearance.
This program is, however, marred by the consistent use of very brief clips, masses of information and breakneck storytelling in which the listener, this listener at least, just gets bogged down in the narrative. There is so much jam packed in here that I just don't know who to care about. At a certain point, I just didn't know where I was being led, got lost and, consequently, my mind started drifting. WNYC has produced a sonic soup that is a little too well seasoned.

Insightful, fair and brave journey through NYPD's history. A history not always pretty, but constantly changing, albeit voluntarily or legislated.
Perhaps more in New York City, but truly in all American cities, it's sometimes tough to be copped. But it's far tougher to be a cop.