NYPD Commissioner Penalized Detective for Violations

Detective Dmaine Freeland forfeited 45 vacation days following a series of department rule violations.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized municipal stone archway, representing the weight of institutional authority and administrative oversight. — NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch penalized 19-year veteran Detective Dmaine Freeland for department rule violations, including unauthorized social media use and operating an unregistered vehicle. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On July 10, 2026, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch penalized Detective Dmaine Freeland, requiring him to forfeit 45 vacation days and serve one year of probation. The disciplinary action followed Freeland's guilty plea regarding the operation of an unregistered vehicle and unauthorized social media use.

Why it matters

The department judge recommended this disciplinary action due to the detective's willful flouting of department rules. Freeland, who previously served in Queens, testified that he posted the images in uniform to improve community relations with his Brooklyn congregation.

Detective Freeland faced discipline for 16 unpaid traffic violations totaling $1,400. He also admitted to driving a 2011 Mercedes-Benz that was unregistered and uninsured following the surrender of his New York registration in 2021.

The players

Jessica Tisch

She serves as the NYPD Commissioner who oversaw the disciplinary review and approved the penalty.

Dmaine Freeland

He is a 19-year veteran detective with the NYPD who serves as a pastor in Brooklyn.

The details

Freeland, a 19-year veteran of the force, pleaded guilty to posting pictures of himself in uniform to social media in 2023, a repeat offense after being disciplined for similar conduct in 2020. The internal investigation also addressed a September 2023 crash involving his unregistered vehicle, which utilized Alabama license plates.

Freeland was first disciplined for social media conduct in 2020.
The detective surrendered his New York vehicle registration in July 2021.
Freeland posted pictures of himself in uniform during 2023.
Freeland crashed his unregistered and uninsured vehicle in September 2023.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch approved the final penalty on July 10, 2026.

Legal Context

The disciplinary action reflects a recurring enforcement of the NYPD Patrol Guide social media regulations against officers who bypass departmental public communication standards. This case highlights how administrative judges in New York City address repeat violations of internal conduct codes.

The case highlights the oversight mechanisms used by the NYPD to maintain officer conduct standards within the city. Residents can expect the department to continue monitoring employee compliance with both internal regulations and state traffic laws.

The takeaway

This case underscores the strict administrative consequences officers face when failing to separate personal social media use from professional duties. Employees in regulated sectors are reminded that department-wide policies on public representation remain in effect both on and off the clock.