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NYPD School Safety Director Indicted for Bribery

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. school-safety-director-indicted-for-bribery.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 0:59 GMT by Seattle Times
      Locales: New York, Washington, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK - February 16th, 2026 - A significant breach of public trust has come to light with the indictment of Faith Rosado, 52, a former director of school safety at the New York Police Department. Rosado is accused of accepting over $13,000 in bribes from SafePoint, a company vying for contracts to install panic button systems in New York City's public schools. The charges, announced Monday by federal prosecutors, include conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

This case isn't simply about illicit payments; it strikes at the heart of school safety - a paramount concern for parents, educators, and the city as a whole. The alleged scheme, spanning from 2021 to 2023, involved Rosado allegedly steering contracts towards SafePoint in exchange for cash, checks, and electronic goods. Prosecutors allege she deliberately concealed these payments from her superiors within the NYPD, raising questions about oversight and internal controls within the department.

Alongside Rosado, David Waksberg, 44, the founder of SafePoint and a resident of Los Angeles, has also been charged in connection with the bribery scheme. The indictment details instances where Waksberg allegedly delivered cash directly to Rosado's Staten Island home, suggesting a calculated and repeated pattern of corruption. The core of the accusation is that SafePoint actively sought to gain an unfair advantage in the competitive bidding process for the critical school safety contract.

Expanding Concerns: The Broader Implications of Compromised School Safety

The timing of this scandal is particularly sensitive. School safety has been under intense scrutiny nationwide following a series of tragic incidents. Parents and school administrators increasingly demand robust security measures, including rapid response systems like panic buttons, to protect students and staff. The revelation that a key figure responsible for evaluating and implementing these very systems may have been compromised raises profound concerns about the integrity of the entire process.

Were SafePoint's systems selected based on merit and effectiveness, or due to Rosado's alleged favoritism? This question will undoubtedly be central to the investigation and potential trial. Furthermore, it begs a wider review of all contracts awarded by the NYPD and the Department of Education during Rosado's tenure. Could other instances of undue influence or corruption have gone undetected?

The potential ramifications extend beyond the legal penalties. If SafePoint's system was chosen primarily because of bribes, it could mean that schools are not equipped with the best possible security technology. A faulty or unreliable panic button system in a crisis could have devastating consequences. The Department of Education will likely face intense pressure to re-evaluate all existing SafePoint installations and potentially seek alternative solutions, incurring significant additional costs.

A Pattern of Corruption? Investigating SafePoint's Business Practices

The FBI's investigation into this case may not stop with Rosado and Waksberg. Federal authorities are likely to delve deeper into SafePoint's overall business practices, looking for evidence of similar alleged bribery schemes in other jurisdictions. Did SafePoint routinely offer inducements to officials in exchange for contracts? Uncovering a broader pattern of corruption could lead to further indictments and a complete overhaul of the company's operations.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the severity of the alleged offenses, stating that Rosado "abused her position of trust" for personal enrichment. This underscores the deeply disturbing nature of the accusations - a public servant allegedly prioritizing personal gain over the safety of the city's children. The Department of Justice is expected to pursue the maximum penalties allowed under the law, sending a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Rosado's arraignment in Manhattan federal court is expected to shed more light on the details of the alleged scheme. Her attorney, who has yet to comment, will likely argue for her innocence or attempt to mitigate the charges. Waksberg is also expected to appear in court to face the accusations leveled against him and SafePoint. This case promises to be a protracted legal battle with far-reaching consequences for everyone involved and, crucially, for the future of school safety in New York City.