Meanwhile, Back in New York . . .

Some police departments seem never to shed certain problems. And for once we are not talking about the Los Angeles Police Department. Instead, let’s head 3,000 miles eastward.

You’re looking at the New York Police Department, and you’re wondering if things there ever really change.

More than two decades ago, a police officer named Frank Serpico became a national hero for exposing NYPD corruption. Not long after that, other officers came forward--and some of them gave testimony that police officers were involved in both selling narcotics and protecting drug dealers. Those scandals led to serious reforms of that department--with the hope that New York might see the end of narcotics corruption.

But now we learn of yet another investigation of New York police officers who are suspected of narcotics corruption. The shocking allegations include shaking down dealers and running drugs.

We bring you this gloomy news on behalf of all those who believe that the LAPD may have its problems (and it certainly does) but who point out that fortunately it doesn’t have problems like this.

All police departments run corruption risks when they deal with criminals who have money or access to money. It takes real determination to fight the problem. But the NYPD seems to revert to a cycle of corruption from which it can’t free itself. As we say, the LAPD is not without its difficulties, as its finest officers will be the first to admit. But the cesspool of recurring narcotics corruption would appear to be one problem it fights off with some success. That needs to be noted, and appreciated.