The NYPD official tasked with looking after cops' mental health is now out of a job himself, after an internal probe found he was allegedly working an out-of-state side gig while still claiming hours for the department. City officials are now reviewing whether they can claw back pay for the time he is accused of billing to the force.
Internal probe and allegations
An internal inquiry by NYPD investigators flagged episodes of alleged "stolen time." As reported by the New York Post, police sources said the therapist was moonlighting in another state while recording NYPD hours. One police source told the paper that "in certain instances, he was claiming he was in the office but was not even in the state of New York." The probe prompted his resignation and a move by the city to seek reimbursement for the hours he allegedly billed while away.
Graziano's background
The therapist identified in the coverage is Matthew James Graziano. His professional biography lists a private psychotherapy practice and describes him as a founding psychologist for the NYPD Health & Wellness unit, according to Graziano PhD. Conference materials and program listings also show he served on the faculty at Seton Hall University's Department of Psychology and Family Therapy, per a New Jersey School Counselor Association 2022 program listing.
Resignation and city response
As first reported by the New York Post, Graziano resigned after the internal inquiry. City officials are weighing whether to recover pay tied to the hours investigators say were billed while he was allegedly working elsewhere. The Post reports he did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Why leadership matters
Leaders of officer mental health programs carry both symbolic and practical weight. They help set the tone for how seriously the department treats stress, trauma and burnout for tens of thousands of officers. When those leaders face integrity questions, it can undercut confidence in the very services meant to keep cops grounded.
A 2019 review by the city's Department of Investigation found gaps in NYPD wellness oversight and coordination, a backdrop that watchdogs say makes accurate record keeping and quick accountability especially critical, according to the New York City Department of Investigation.
