The indictment of New York City mayor Eric Adams on federal bribery charges has sparked debates among Black leaders and community advocates about whether to stand behind a figure who, for many, represents a milestone of Black representation in government.

As a stunned New York City comes to terms with the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams, it’s worth examining the idea, deeply embedded in the city’s psyche, that helped lead to his election: Keeping the city safe means allowing the Police Department to do whatever it wishes.