Union Chief Urges NYPD Officers to "Proceed with the Utmost Caution"

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Patrick Lynch—the longtime president of the Police Benevolent Association—has sent a strongly worded message to the agency's rank and file officers following the firing of Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was accused of killing Eric Garner in 2014 but was cleared of all wrongdoing.

According to NBC News , the message could be construed as a signal of a work slowdown as officers discontinue proactive policing activities because of criticism or administrative decisions perceived to endanger their wellbeing on the streets.

"We are urging all New York City police officers to proceed with the utmost caution in this new reality, in which they may be deemed 'reckless' just for doing their job," Lynch said.

"We will uphold our oath, but we cannot and will not do so by needlessly jeopardizing our careers or personal safety," he added.