Crime + Punishment

About Crime + Punishment

Crime + Punishment is a gripping 2018 documentary film directed by Stephen Maing. It exposes systemic corruption and racism within the New York Police Department, focusing on the experiences of a group of whistleblower cops, known as the NYPD 12, as they fight against damaging quota systems. The plot primarily unveils how these policemen are forced to meet a particular arrest target, irrespective of the crime situation, and the hostile environment that emerges when they decide to go against this system.

Making/Production

Stephen Maing has worked closely with the protagonist characters for years, capturing their struggles and challenges in standing up against the systemic problems. His focus has been meticulous, intimate, and driven by a journalist's curiosity. The film is produced by Field of Vision in association with Mitten Media, LLC, and Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program.

Actors

• Officer Edwin Raymond: As himself. Known for doing his job with integrity, Raymond stood against the oppressive quota system and played a major part in forming the NYPD 12.
• Officer Sandy Gonzalez: As herself. Gonzalez, one of the NYPD 12, faced harassment and retaliation due to her stance against the quota system.
• Officer Pedro Serrano: As himself. Through his significant contribution, Officer Serrano drives the film with his courage and passion form justice.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The movie involves real-life cops and their real-life experiences, differentiating it from other cop movies that often depict idealized versions of police work.
• Crime + Punishment was filmed over a period of four years.

Awards

The powerful storytelling and gripping visuals of Crime + Punishment earned it an "U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Social Impact Filmmaking" at the Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "When you realize the system is corrupt, being a cop isn't a safe job."
• "We're going against the largest police department in the country."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for this powerful documentary is composed by the talented composer, Brendon Anderegg.
• While the movie does not have any specific "soundtrack" list, the background score is highly effective in enhancing the atmosphere and the intensity of the scenarios.