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A veteran NYPD lieutenant has alleged that the department's COVID-19 vaccine mandate disproportionately targeted male, Christian officers. The lieutenant, who has transitioned to a podcasting career, claims that exemptions were denied based on a directive from a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commissioner, who aimed to increase the number of women in the police force. The allegations suggest that the NYPD has experienced a significant exodus of officers since the mandate was implemented, with claims that the department has retained less competent officers while pushing out those deemed high-performing. Calls for justice for the affected officers, including a demand for the reinstatement of first responders, have emerged alongside criticism of the DEI program within the department.