The NYPD has put on hold lieutenant promotions for more than 200 officers pending its investigation into allegations of cheating on an April 2015 exam, according to new court filings.
The move comes one day after nine sergeants filed a lawsuit against the city alleging that a cheat sheet was posted on the popular cop blog “Rising Star,” giving make-up test applicants an unfair advantage.
“The NYPD is conducting an internal review into issues relating to the 2015 promotional exam for lieutenant,” lawyers for the city said in court papers filed Friday in Manhattan federal court. “The NYPD has also decided to place on hold any promotions to the rank of lieutenant from the certified list.”
The bombshell lawsuit followed an exclusive Post report last month about how some sergeants may have gamed the system by taking the make-up exam months after the initial test, formerly known as Lieutenant’s Promotional Exam No. 5535.
Of the 2,401 sergeants who took the April 18, 2015, test when it was first offered, 164 candidates passed – about 6 percent.
But an alarming rate of those who took the make-up exam – after not sitting for the initial test for various reasons – earned passing scores. Forty of the candidates, more than 48 percent, passed the June 22 make-up test.
Sergeants who took the make-up test included Jewish applicants who observe the Sabbath and others who were on military leave or out for medical reasons.
On “Rising Star,” a photo of the correct answer key to the test was posted by one user, while another offered to send anyone the “exact wording” of “a specific question” on the test, the lawsuit says.
And officers were free to cheat on the April exam if they wanted to, according to the lawsuit.
Proctors frequently exited the room, leaving it unsupervised, and test-takers were permitted to go to the bathroom without having to sign out, the complaint says.
Officers were also allowed to keep their cellphones and other belongings while taking the exam.