Corrupt Police Officer: I Arrested Drug Dealers, Then Sold Their Drugs! There’s Massive Corruption Going On Today! - Mike Dowd

The podcast transcript features Mike Dowd's accounts of the environmental and systemic factors that contributed to his corruption and criminal activities as a New York police officer.

Police Policy Discourages Drug Crime Arrests to Cut Overtime and Admin Burdens

Mike Dowd explains that the NYPD policy discouraged drug arrests due to budgetary concerns. Officers were told not to arrest drug offenders because the city could not afford the 18 hours of overtime required for each crack arrest, particularly given the volume of such arrests in Brooklyn.

Dowd suggests this disincentive to arrest led to officers, including himself, not managing the streets effectively and looking for alternative means of profiting from the drug trade.

Dowd's Control Over His Patrol Streets

Dowd describes how he seized control over the drug trade on his patrol streets. He tells how he used his position to solicit bribes, extort money, and in effect "tax" drug dealers instead of arresting them. He cites an early instance in 1983 where he let a driver without proper paperwork go free in exchange for a bribe, which he jokingly referred to as "lobster lunch money."

Dowd exploits his authority, claiming that drug dealers operating in his area were effectively "his," and he would own their operations by extorting drugs, money, or possessions. He recalls situations where he provided protection to drug gangs for a weekly fee and how he would enforce payment by jeopardizing their operations if they fell short.

In his more involved criminal dealings, Dowd acquired significant sums from drug dealer Adam Diaz. He would use his role as a police officer to stop potential raids and intervene in crimes related to Diaz's drug business, masking the true nature of the incidents from other officers to maintain the operation's secrecy.

"Blue Wall" Culture Shielded Corrupt Officers From Consequences

Dowd describes the "Blue Wall" culture that protected police officers from facing consequences for their actions. He discusses the reluctance to report fellow officers, citing the potential repercussions for their safety, support ...

Mike Dowd's involvement in corruption and its aftermath has led to significant personal and familial turmoil, guilt, substance abuse, and challenges in rebuilding his life post-prison.

Guilt and Turmoil Dowd Felt After Officer's Death Linked To Corruption

Mike Dowd experienced significant guilt after a fellow officer's death—someone killed by associates of a drug organization that Dowd might have had connections with. Although Dowd didn't personally know the officer, he attributed personal responsibility for the situation. The guilt and the connection he felt to the crime precipitated his descent into substance abuse, struggling to cope with the moral weight of his actions.

Dowd Spiraled Into Substance Abuse Grappling With the Moral Weight of His Actions

Dowd turned to drugs and alcohol to manage his emotional distress, isolating himself to release his guilt privately. His substance abuse led to rehab about six months after the officer's death. During his moments of isolation, Dowd coped by reading the newspaper and crying in his bathroom, evidencing the inner conflict he faced due to his corrupt activities.

Devastation From Dowd's Actions: His Family's Disappointment

Dowd’s actions not only impacted him personally but also caused immense distress for his family. His ex-wife implored him to desist from his corrupt behavior, valuing their relationship over material gains. Unfortunately, Dowd felt unable to change his path of criminality until it was too late.

Dowd's Mother Felt Betrayed Reconciling the Son She Knew With the Corrupt Cop He Became

Dowd's mother, Carol, felt a deep sense of betrayal, having raised her son with stringent principles. She expressed her disappointment and disbelief at his sentencing, reflecting her anguish over his actions. This emotional turmoil for Dowd extended to concerns about leavi ...

Mike Dowd’s arrest marks the beginning of his journey from corruption as a police officer to a path of reflection and an effort towards redemption and reintegration into society.

Dowd's Relief and Freedom in Arrest, Seeing Escape From Corruption

Dowd Acknowledged the Toll of a Double Life and the Need to Own His Actions

Mike Dowd describes the moment of his arrest as the biggest relief of his life. It signaled the end of the stressful period where he led a double life, filled with anxiety and fear stemming from his corrupt activities as a police officer. Dowd did not anticipate a long jail sentence; he naively thought he could post bail and beat the charges. He felt that with his arrest, he could begin to confront his actions and move past his corrupt activities. Dowd admits that going to work every day was anxiety-inducing due to the double life he was leading and to the lies he was telling everyone, including his family and the police department. His arrest represented freedom from the pressure of living a lie.

Dowd's Honest and Transparent Story Aids Others

Dowd Shares Lessons to Prevent Corruption

Mike Dowd's openness about the mistakes of his past, and the lessons he learned, has positively impacted others. His honesty and the advice he shares—especially about living truthfully to avoid the constant pressure associated with lies—have resonated with individuals including police officers who have contemplated suicide. While Dowd does not discuss his family's support directly, his emphasis on transparency and earning trust through owning one's actions hints at a deep appreciation for those who continued to accept him post-release.

Dowd's Gratitude For Family Support Despite Betrayal

Mother's Prayers Helped Dowd Rebuild Life and Relationships After Release

The turning point in Dowd's reintegration was the support from his family, particularly his mother, Carol. Initially taking eight months before visiting him in prison, she ...