Exclusive: Bronx NYPD officers spotted drinking in uniform after work

MELROSE (WABC) -- In an Eyewitness News exclusive, the NYPD says an investigation is underway after an eyewitness reported seeing New York City police officers, some still in uniform, drinking in public after their shifts in the Bronx.

The incident happened outside the 42nd Precinct in the Melrose section.

Xavier Johnson says he was walking along Washington Avenue around 8 a.m. on Sunday, August 10, on his way to file a complaint at the precinct, when he spotted the group of seven to 12 men having a few cold ones outside. So he went inside and told a lieutenant.

"We were talking, and I'm like, 'Look at them, look,'" Johnson said. "She goes, 'I know y'all guys can't be this stupid.'"

He says they were standing or sitting in cars parked in an area designated for police department vehicles.

"Some of them got their badges tucked, some of them were still in uniform," he said. "Some of them are getting off, some of them are maybe just going in. I'm not entirely sure."

He also dismissed the idea that hey may have mistaken civilians for police officers.

"Why would I do that?" he asked. "I know that two of the officers...that were inside when I made the complaint were two of the officers that were outside drinking."

Public consumption of alcohol is against the law in New York City. When Eyewitness News asked the NYPD about it, a spokesperson said that the incident is under internal review.

"You're the officer, you're the guy who is supposed to be protecting and serving," Johnson said. "You're the guy who we're supposed to look to and say 'Yo, help.' Not look at you, and you're drinking. Is he ready to help?"

Johnson says he has nothing against police officers and understands that anyone might want to have a beer after a shift. He just doesn't think it should happen so close to the precinct.

There is no word yet on any possible disciplinary action.