NYPD Backs Away from Israeli Firm Cognyte Deal

In depth

The NYPD sought to buy directly from Israel's Cognyte a phone surveillance and location-tracking system worth about $750,000, without a tender. According to Ynet, the NYPD asked to purchase the advanced system without a tender. The opposition came from allies of Mayor Mamdani and from human rights organizations.

According to Walla, human rights organizations and progressive politicians opposed the deal, partly over the company's ties to governments accused of human rights abuses. According to Behadrei Haredim, the direct purchase was canceled following criticism from progressive activists. According to Ynet, Mamdani met with the police commissioner, and the deal was subsequently canceled.

The NYPD will open a competitive procurement process for the phone-tracking system, in which the Israeli company will also be able to compete.