Crime + Punishment

About Crime + Punishment

Crime + Punishment is an American documentary film directed by Stephen Maing. Released in 2018, the movie analyzes the corruption and unjust arrest quota system prevalent within the New York Police Department. The film follows twelve courageous officers known as the NYPD 12, who blow the whistle on the disturbing realities of the police force.

Making / Production

The film took nearly four years to produce, with Director Stephen Maing spending significant time with the NYPD 12 to document their struggle against the system. The documentary combines intimate footage, one-on-one interviews, and cinéma vérité shooting style to showcase the reality faced by these cops and the citizens they swore to protect.

Actors

• Manuel 'Manny' Gomez: A former cop turned private investigator, Gomez was fearless in his fight for justice. His character represents the determination to expose the systemic bias within the NYPD.
• The NYPD 12: A group of minority officers who stood up against the racial bias in the police force. Each of their personal stories adds a different perspective to the overall narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Crime + Punishment is a Hulu Original documentary film.
• The film won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Social Impact at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
• Director Stephen Maing is a co-founder of the documentary production company, The Naked Edge Films.

Awards

Crime + Punishment has been the recipient of several accolades, including the prestigious U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Social Impact at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Quotes

• “We’re stopping kids walking upstairs to their house. We’re stopping you walking downstairs to your house. We’re stopping you going to the store. Kids should not be growing up fearing interaction with the police officer.” – Anonymous NYPD 12 Officer
• “Stand for something. And stand the hell up. The most needed time is now." - Manuel 'Manny' Gomez

Music, Soundtrack

• The music of Crime + Punishment was composed by the accomplished musician Ilan Isakov.
• The score is largely atmospheric, adding to the gritty and realistic feel of the documentary.