>This is also a bit of a misleading headline. DiBlasio pushed corporation counsel and comptroller to settle cases at an unprecedented rate, regardless of the merit. Years past, City would actively defend lawsuits.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/police-misconduct-insurance-settlements-reform/

It's really silly to think this is a big bird issue. The city also paid out more money ten years ago

https://www.silive.com/news/2014/08/public_advocates_office_propos.html