Feds Raid NYPD School Safety Division in Queens Amid City Contract Investigation

On Thursday, October 10, Federal agents raided the NYPD’s School Safety Division headquarters in Queens, targeting potential misconduct in city contracts, marking a significant escalation in a broader investigation into Tim Pearson, a former senior aide to Mayor Eric Adams.

The Queens Plaza North office in Long Island City became the focal point as agents seized documents related to a panic button app contract that Pearson reportedly approved. The app, designed to enhance school safety during active shooter emergencies, is a central focus of the investigation.

Kevin Taylor, the former head of the School Safety Division, also had his phone taken during the raid. Taylor, considered a witness in the broader investigation, was transferred out of his role earlier this year and could not be reached for comment.

Investigators are also scrutinizing SaferWatch, the tech firm behind the app and a client of Terence Banks, a consultant with close ties to city officials. The role of SaferWatch has drawn the attention of the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), which coordinated the raid.

The investigation adds to Pearson’s growing troubles. He resigned last week after authorities seized his phone in early September. During his time with the administration, he managed security contracts, including deals for migrant shelters, but faced controversies such as sexual harassment lawsuits and accusations of conflicts of interest.

The investigation has expanded to include Terence Banks, whose firm, Pearl Alliance, allegedly facilitated meetings between clients and top city officials. Agents also seized phones from Phil Banks, former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety as they investigated whether city contracts were awarded due to improper influence.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Phil Banks disputed any new contracts awarded to SaferWatch while represented by his brother, Terence Banks.

As the federal investigation unfolds, questions about transparency and accountability within the Adams administration continue to mount, with further developments expected in the coming weeks.