NYPD Officers Eyed in Ticket Fixing Probe

NEW YORK --

Two law enforcement officials and another person familiar with a ticket-fixing probe tell The Associated Press that up to 40 NYPD officers could end up being charged in the brewing scandal in the Bronx.

The three people say the NYPD has used wiretaps to secretly record officers asking union delegates to have speeding and other traffic tickets torn up as favors for relatives and friends. One said the cases could be brought as early as July.

The three people spoke on condition of anonymity because the case is the subject of a secret grand jury probe.

The head of the sergeants union says the department has turned a blind eye to the practice for years. He calls the criminal case overkill.

Police, prosecutors and the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association all declined to comment.