Frank Serpico, American-Italian soldier, police officer and lecturer

Francesco Vincent Serpico, born on April 14, 1936, is an American retired police detective whose name has become synonymous with the fight against corruption within law enforcement. His courageous actions in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly his whistleblowing on pervasive corruption within the New York City Police Department (NYPD), profoundly impacted public perception and led to significant institutional reforms, cementing his place as an enduring icon of integrity.

The Unyielding Pursuit of Justice: Early Career and Whistleblowing Efforts

During the tumultuous late 1960s and early 1970s, Serpico served as a plainclothes police officer, operating across Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan. His assignments often placed him undercover, meticulously working to expose the deeply entrenched networks of vice racketeering – encompassing illegal gambling, narcotics distribution, and prostitution – that operated with alarming impunity. It was through this work that he encountered undeniable evidence of widespread corruption, involving not just individual officers but what appeared to be systemic graft within the department.

As early as 1967, Serpico, driven by a profound sense of duty and a commitment to justice, began reporting credible evidence of this widespread corruption to his superiors. Yet, to his dismay and increasing frustration, his detailed accounts and compelling evidence were met with indifference, dismissiveness, or outright hostility. His efforts to bring the truth to light through official channels proved ineffective, highlighting the formidable "blue wall of silence" that protected corrupt elements within the NYPD.

Bringing Corruption to Light: The New York Times and the Knapp Commission

Recognizing the futility of internal reporting, Serpico, along with fellow officer David Durk, made the difficult decision to bypass the department and approach the press. This pivotal moment came to fruition in 1970 when his disclosures formed the basis of a sensational front-page story in The New York Times. This exposé, which detailed widespread corruption within the NYPD, sent shockwaves through the city and across the nation, drawing unprecedented attention to a problem many had long suspected but few dared to confront publicly.

The national outcry spurred by the Times article prompted New York City Mayor John V. Lindsay to take decisive action. He appointed a five-member panel to thoroughly investigate the grave accusations of police corruption. This panel soon became famously known as the Knapp Commission, named after its chairman, Judge Whitman Knapp. The Commission’s subsequent public hearings and findings meticulously exposed the deep-seated nature of corruption within the NYPD, from petty graft to more organized criminal enterprises, leading to indictments, reforms, and a critical reassessment of police accountability.

The Driggs Avenue Shooting: A Defining Moment

On February 3, 1971, while attempting to arrest drug dealers at 778 Driggs Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Francesco Serpico was shot during a narcotics bust. The bullet struck him in the face, severing an auditory nerve and leaving bullet fragments permanently lodged in his brain. The injuries were severe, requiring extensive recovery.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting swiftly drew intense scrutiny and suspicion. Serpico’s colleagues present at the scene were notably slow to call for an ambulance, and questions were raised about why he had entered the apartment alone after his partners allegedly failed to provide cover. These troubling details fueled speculation, giving rise to the chilling possibility that Serpico had been intentionally set up by fellow officers who sought to silence him due to his whistleblowing activities. While no formal investigation was ever launched into the conduct of his colleagues during the incident, the individual who shot Serpico, Edgar Echevarria, was subsequently convicted of attempted murder. The incident underscored the perilous isolation Serpico faced and further highlighted the immense risks associated with challenging entrenched corruption.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Much of Francesco Serpico’s enduring fame and recognition transcended the realm of law enforcement history, largely due to the release of the critically acclaimed 1973 film Serpico. Based on the compelling book of the same name by Peter Maas, the movie starred Al Pacino in an iconic, Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the detective. The film vividly brought Serpico’s harrowing story to the big screen, exposing a global audience to the stark realities of police corruption and the profound personal sacrifice of a man who dared to stand against it. It transformed Serpico into a cultural touchstone, a symbol of moral courage and integrity.

Later Life and Recognition

Even decades after his retirement from the NYPD in 1972, Serpico’s commitment to integrity and his symbolic stature continued to be recognized. On June 27, 2013, the USA Section of the ANPS (National Association of Italian State Police) honored him with the prestigious "Saint Michael Archangel Prize." Saint Michael is the patron saint of police officers, making the award a particularly meaningful tribute to his dedication and ethical stance. During the ceremony, in a poignant moment reflecting his heritage and a long-held aspiration, Francesco Serpico received his first Italian passport, officially gaining Italian citizenship.

FAQs

Who is Frank Serpico?
Frank Serpico is a retired American police detective, most renowned for his role as a whistleblower who exposed widespread corruption within the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
What exactly did Frank Serpico expose?
Serpico exposed systemic corruption within the NYPD, specifically focusing on vice racketeering (involving gambling, narcotics, and prostitution) where officers were accepting bribes and operating with impunity, often protecting criminal enterprises.
What was the Knapp Commission?
The Knapp Commission was a five-member panel appointed by New York City Mayor John V. Lindsay in 1970 to investigate accusations of police corruption within the NYPD. Its findings confirmed Serpico’s claims and led to significant reforms.
What happened during the shooting incident involving Serpico?
On February 3, 1971, during a narcotics arrest attempt, Frank Serpico was shot in the face. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, particularly the slow response of his colleagues, raised suspicions that he may have been deliberately set up or abandoned due to his whistleblowing activities.
How did the film "Serpico" contribute to his fame?
The 1973 film "Serpico," starring Al Pacino, brought his story to a global audience, vividly dramatizing his struggle against police corruption and cementing his status as a cultural icon of integrity and moral courage.
Is Frank Serpico still alive?
Yes, as of the latest information, Francesco Vincent Serpico is still alive, born on April 14, 1936.
Why did he receive Italian citizenship?
Serpico received Italian citizenship in 2013, which was a recognition of his Italian heritage and a personal aspiration. This coincided with him being awarded the "Saint Michael Archangel Prize" by the USA Section of the National Association of Italian State Police (ANPS).