Harlem Loses Favorite Community Cop

On September 16, 2006 by D. Bell

A Harlem institution was laid to rest at the age of 79. Oswald “Ozzie” Thompson, affectionately known as Harlem’s favorite “Community Cop,” acted as a liaison between the police and the Harlem community which he protected. In the wake of a recent shooting of a teen in Harlem, Ozzie was a needed figure in the community.

Ozzie stated that it was his goal in life to help bring about improved cooperation between the police and the community to assure public safety and neighborhood tranquility.

Ozzie has a long list of honors and credits that pay tribute to his contribution to making Harlem a better place to live.

Ozzie began his career as a Police Officer of the New York City Housing Authority in 1959. His ability to defuse volatile situations won him respect, not only of the Mayor John Lindsay Administration at City Hall, but also such groups as the Black Panthers and the Young Lords. During his career he served on elite police squads and won numerous citations and medals.

Ozzie was the founder of the first Tenant/Police Community Council in Harlem, a charter member of the African American Civil Service Workers. He also founded the Grand Council of Guardians, an umbrella organization of African American officers from the various forces serving the city. Additionally, Ozzie was a founding member of the National Black Police Association when it was formed in 1972, later serving as President. He has served as Vice President of the Council of Police Societies (COPS) and filled several offices within the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) ranging from Sergeant-at-Arms to First Vice President.

Even after he officially retired from law enforcement, Ozzie stayed actively involved the community in which he loved.

Ozzie’s last years were divided between working with Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright and Senator David Paterson as a Special Assistant and hosting/producing his own Cable TV show entitled “Community Cop,” a live talk show exclusively designed to promote positive police and community relations and keep the community abreast of police/criminal justice issues throughout the metropolitan area.


“Community Cop,” an hour long live broadcast that airs exclusively on Time Warner’s Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), was a vision of Ozzie’s, inspired during the creation of “We Are People Too,” a television documentary that he co-produced with dear sister, friend and colleague Carol D. Moorer, focused on contributions of African American Police Officers in the United States, which won a CEBA award (Communications Excellence in Black Achievements).

“Community Cop” is presently in its sixth season, broadcast every Tuesday night on Channel 34 at 5 p.m., and on Cablevision (Bronx Net) every Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. respectively, reaching over 1 million viewers.
Program alumni include members from NYPD, FDNY, NYC Dept. of Corrections, and the Sheriff’s Department. Today, two members from 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement, Marq Claxton & Noel Leader, host “Community Cop.” Source: Amsterdam News
Submitted by reader: Barber Shop Talk

Related: Daily News :: Newsday :: Amsterdam News ::

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3 Responses to “Harlem Loses Favorite Community Cop”

  • madeline hazel on December 5, 2007 2:48 pm

    Today is Ozzie’s Birthday the anniversary of his homegoing has made one year and thee hasn’t been one day that I have not thought about him. REst in peace you will always be missed.

  • Kenneth Thompson on November 4, 2006 1:54 pm

    Thank you one and all for the kind and wonderful words you have written about my father Ozzie. Yes, he was a great man, always out, giving his helping hand to those in need in the community. We will all miss him, especially his loving and caring wife Eileen, and the rest of his family. His death has touched many, many people, especially his granddaugher, my daughter, Jessica. I know that her grandpa, is smiling down at her.
    Again, thanks to all for the wonderful tribute.
    Kenneth Thompson

  • Jessica on November 3, 2006 3:08 pm

    **aka Ozzie’s grandaughter**

    Beautifully written. He is missed by all, but especially me.