[DFHippie]

It's the cops who said that. I assume that's why the phrase is in quotes. Apparently they themselves believed they performed some arrests that weren't "absolutely necessary". They said this as a threat to influence negotiations. You should take this question up with them.

[Spooky23]

NYPD is an MBA style police agency. The management wants to hit their KPIs.

If the bosses want jaywalking tickets, they swarm like bees. Arresting someone for robbery fucks up the metric for the local commander.

It’s like any big dumb company. The officers are like salesmen, and they are trained to do whatever bullshit the boss wants.

[hluska]

Why be combative? I was curious about a statement and wanted to learn.

But seriously, why he combative? People used to be able to ask questions without being told to take it up with the NYPD. The entire world wants to fight and frankly, it’s embarrassing.