NYPD bans infamous corrupt ex-cop Michael Dowd after brazen visit to police headquarters
A former New York Police Department (NYPD) officer who was fired for shaking down drug dealers, stealing their stock, and selling it himself, has been banned from the NYPD’s headquarters. Michael Dowd, 62, is now featured on signs posted outside of the headquarters, after he turned up on 14 April for an unexpected visit to the Shield Unit, which is on the second floor of police headquarters, and even posted a photo of himself inside to his Instagram account. According to one of the signs, he is a “terminated from the NYPD and convicted felon” who should not be allowed entry if he attempts to access the building. The signs, which also carry a handwritten warning “do not remove from booth,” are likely to be a result of Dowd’s surprise visit and his snarky social media post. NYPD brass have said that police commissioner Keetchant Sewell ordered a review of the access given to retired police officers and their guests following Dowd’s visit.
FAQs
Who is Michael Dowd?
Michael Dowd was a police officer in New York City who was convicted for stealing from drug dealers during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He spent 12 years in prison after being fired from the force.
Why was Dowd banned from NYPD’s headquarters?
Dowd was banned from the NYPD’s headquarters after a surprise visit in which he photographed himself inside and posted it to his Instagram account. Signs were subsequently posted featuring Dowd’s image, carrying a warning that he was a convicted felon who should not be allowed entry to the building if he attempts to access it.
What did Dowd’s Instagram post say?
Dowd’s Instagram post featured a photo of himself inside the Shield Unit at police headquarters in New York City, with the caption: “At @1policeplaza finally getting my exit photo. #NYPD #thesevenfive”.
Why did Dowd visit the Shield Unit?
It is unclear why Dowd visited the Shield Unit, but he later claimed he was there with a retired police officer who needed a new ID.
How did NYPD respond to Dowd’s visit and Instagram post?
Following Dowd’s visit, NYPD police commissioner Keechant Sewell ordered a review of the process by which retirees’ guests are granted access to the force’s headquarters. Signs featuring Dowd’s image were subsequently posted at the building’s entrances.

Ex-cop Michael Dowd, known for corruption, banned from NYPD following bold visit to police headquarters.
One of the most infamous corrupt police officers in New York City’s history has been banned from visiting police headquarters after he brazenly took a picture of himself inside the NYPD’s nerve center and posted it on Instagram. Photos of disgraced former cop Michael Dowd, 62, are now on display at security booths near the public entrance to One Police Plaza, displaying warnings that he is a convicted felon who is not allowed to enter the building. Dowd was fired from the NYPD after he was found guilty of shaking down drug dealers in Brooklyn during the late 1980s and early ’90s. He spent 12 years in prison. Despite this, Dowd visited the Shield Unit, which is on the second floor of police headquarters, on April 14. He was with another retired police officer who needed a new ID. Dowd claimed the cops working at the entrance didn’t hesitate to let him in, but the NYPD has taken the incident seriously. Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell ordered a review of the process for allowing retirees’ guests entry, and both Dowd and his friend, retired NYPD Sergeant Theodore Hanlon, have been banned from entering police headquarters.