Bloomberg Accuses Police State Opponents of "Playing Politics with People's Lives"

Is that better or worse than playing politics with the dead bodies, the way he is?

With criticism of the police infusing the Democratic race to succeed him, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Tuesday delivered a staunch defense of the New York Police Department, as well as a spirited attack against its critics.

Speaking at Police Headquarters, Mr. Bloomberg took a swipe at those suing the department in Federal District Court in Manhattan over the stop -and-frisk practices, but he saved his strongest words for legislators and mayoral candidates "playing politics with people's lives."

"Look at what's happened in Boston," Mr. Bloomberg said. "Remember what happened here on 9/11. Remember all of those who've been killed by gun violence and the families they left behind."

Mr. Bloomberg described criticism of the police as politically motivated. "The attacks most often come from those who play no constructive role in keeping our city safe, but rather, view their jobs as pointing fingers from the steps of City Hall," he said.