NEW YORK - Mayor Bill de Blasio says the public likely won't find out what punishment, if any, the NYPD will hand down for the officer involved in the chokehold death of Eric Garner.
Officer Daniel Pantaleo faces departmental charges for the 2014 incident.
But the outcome will probably be kept secret, since the Daily News says the NYPD has started denying the media access to disciplinary orders within the department.
Police officials say part of the state civil rights law allows them keep the information under wraps unless a judge orders it released, or the officer involved gives permission in writing.
When asked about the case yesterday, the mayor said the city will abide by the law.
"We have to honor state law. Again, we have to honor state law, it's a simple answer. We have to honor state law," De Blasio said.
The Staten Island District Attorney's office declined to pursue criminal charges against Pantaleo.
The NYPD says it has completed its investigation, but it can't start a department trial until the Justice Department finishes its own civil rights probe of the case.