NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Federal agents searched the NYPD’s School Safety Division office in Queens Thursday, as part of a broader probe into city contracts and ongoing federal investigations into Mayor Eric Adams and his inner circle, sources confirmed to 1010 WINS.
The search is the latest development in a series of investigations targeting the Adams' administration.
Reportedly linked to a contract with tech firm SaferWatch, the search involved documents connected to former School Safety Director Kevin Taylor. SaferWatch provides products designed to "prevent incidents, reduce police response time, and equip law enforcement with the necessary intel to make critical decisions." It offered the city a "panic button" app system meant to enhance school safety during emergencies.
The NYPD has come under scrutiny for signing $67,000 worth of contracts to SaferWatch, according to city records. The company was listed as a client of lobbyist Terence Banks, brother of former Schools Chancellor David Banks who resigned last month due to ongoing investigations.
Federal agents seized Banks’ phones last month, as well as devices belonging to the city’s police commissioner, two deputy mayors and a top Adams adviser. The police commissioner, Edward Caban, also resigned last month.
Banks’ brother, Philip, is a former police officer who now serves as the city’s deputy mayor for public safety. Their brother Terence, a former supervisor in the city’s subway system, has been running a consulting firm that promised to connect clients with top government stakeholders .
Sources also confirmed that Taylor, who now holds the position of NYPD inspector, had his phone seized during the search. While neither Taylor nor SaferWatch has been accused of any wrongdoing, the investigation continues.
"It is our understanding that neither SaferWatch nor any of its employees are the target of any investigation,” a spokesperson for SaferWatch, Hank Sheinkopf, said in a statement obtained by NBC New York. “SaferWatch partners with law enforcement, schools, and businesses across the country."
Earlier in September, federal agents and city investigators seized the phones of the Banks brothers, and other top administration officials, including former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, wife of David Banks. Further details of the investigation remain unclear, as the NYPD, FBI, Southern District of New York (SDNY), and Department of Investigation (DOI) have all declined to comment.
The only charges in connection with the broader investigation have been filed against Adams and his aide, Mohamad Bahi, over alleged campaign finance violations. Adams pleaded not guilty.
The search news comes as Adams confirmed on Thursday that he will soon appoint a new commissioner for the NYPD to replace interim Commissioner Tom Donlon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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