July 27, 2025 Brooklyn, NY – A bombshell revelation has rocked the New York Police Department, with an Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) investigation now underway concerning an unprecedented arrangement that allowed an NYPD detective to serve for nearly a year on a special detail – allegedly assigned to her own cancer-stricken mother. This highly unusual situation, first brought to light by the Daily News, is believed to have played a significant role in the recent, accelerated retirement of Brooklyn North Chief Scott Henderson, a 30-year veteran of the force.

The Heart of the Matter: A Detective's Duty or Personal Care?

At the center of this burgeoning scandal is 51-year-old Detective Jaenice Smith. Sources close to the investigation, speaking to The New York Daily News, indicate that Detective Smith was allegedly permitted to remain with her ailing mother, Barbara Ann Smith, the long-standing and well-respected president of Bushwick’s 83rd Precinct Community Council. While the exact nature of this "special detail" remains under wraps, the implication is clear: a taxpayer-funded NYPD detective was reportedly providing care, or at least dedicated presence, to a family member, rather than fulfilling traditional law enforcement duties.

Chief Henderson's Accelerated Retirement: More Than Coincidence?

Chief Scott Henderson, a prominent figure within the NYPD who has commanded Brooklyn North since 2020, retired recently after three decades of service. While official statements often cite personal reasons for such departures, three independent law enforcement sources have indicated that Henderson's alleged approval of Detective Smith's unusual assignment is now a key focus of the Internal Affairs probe. This raises critical questions about command accountability, resource allocation, and potential misuse of police personnel. Was Chief Henderson's retirement a pre-emptive measure, or a direct consequence of the mounting scrutiny surrounding this unprecedented situation?

Questions Mount: Accountability, Ethics, and Public Trust

This unfolding story brings forth a torrent of questions for the NYPD and its leadership:

• What was the precise nature of Detective Smith's "special detail" and what official justification was provided?
• How was this assignment approved, and by whom, particularly given its unconventional nature?
• Were department resources, including salary and potential benefits, appropriately utilized during this period?
• What are the full implications of this arrangement for departmental ethics and the public's trust in the NYPD?

As the Internal Affairs investigation progresses, the answers to these questions will be crucial in determining the extent of any wrongdoing and the measures taken to ensure such an arrangement is not repeated. The Daily News will continue to follow this developing story closely, providing updates as more information becomes available.