In the wake of a viral performance by the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) dance team on PIX11 Morning News, the department has found itself navigating a wave of both support and criticism from the public and political figures alike.
The performance, which showcased the dance team’s talents, garnered attention on social media platforms, with reactions ranging from admiration to questioning the allocation of taxpayer funds.
Critics, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, raised concerns about the use of public resources for the dance team’s activities, prompting a response from NYPD officials.
Hundreds of netizens also questioned the utility of the dance team, posting comments such as “defund the dance team” and “fire the NYPD dance team and hire more cops.”
Autumn-Raine Martinez, captain of the dance team, responded to the controversy during an appearance on PIX11 Morning News, explaining that the team’s activities are not funded by taxpayer dollars.
Martinez clarified that the dance team, like other NYPD sports teams, operates independently and engages in activities to foster camaraderie among officers.
In a statement, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Communications Tarik Sheppard reiterated that taxpayer dollars allocated to the NYPD are not used for the dance team’s operations.
He added that team members volunteer their free time and resources for practices and performances.
“So no, we don’t use any department funds or taxpayer dollars. They purely came together. They volunteer to do this. They do all of it on their own time. They practice and come together on their own time after work, off duty,” Sheppherd said in the interview.
Despite the criticism, Martinez defended the team’s activities, noting its positive impact on the department’s morale and community engagement efforts.
“Even with the comments we’ve been getting, we’ve been just leaning on each other, just supporting each other,” Martinez said. “It’s already tough being on this job, but then to have more things like that for doing something we love doing is kind of hard.”
She also said that the team serves as a platform for officers to express themselves creatively and build bonds outside of their regular duties.
Mayor Eric Adams echoed Martinez’s sentiments, supporting the dance team’s role within the NYPD as an outlet for officers to de-stress and connect with their communities.
“This cost the police department nothing,” Adams asserted. “It really humanizes our officers. It is a way to alleviate the stress and difficulties and challenges of being — doing the job.”
Adams even extended an invitation to the dance team to perform at City Hall.
“This team SERVES and protects! Honored to join the NYPD Dance team at City Hall. I think it’s so important that our women and men in uniform have outlets like this to express themselves and bond. They work hard on the clock and dance hard off the clock — like true New Yorkers,” Adams wrote on X.
In response to concerns about recruitment and diversity within the dance team, Martinez said that the team is open to officers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
She also highlighted efforts to recruit new members and expand the team’s repertoire of dance styles.
“We’re not looking for top-tier professionals. “We’re just looking for people who want to dance,” Martinez said.
Looking ahead, the NYPD dance team aims to continue its outreach efforts and recruit new members to expand its ranks.
