An Ossining, New York Conspiracy is a gripping memoir and exposé by Lt. Alvin J. Brideau, a retired officer from the Ossining Village Police Department. The book unveils a decades-long web of corruption, betrayal, and misconduct within a small-town police department in New York. Against the backdrop of Ossining-a village on the Hudson River with a population of 27,000 and home to the infamous Sing Sing prison-Brideau recounts his journey through the ranks of law enforcement and his eventual entanglement in a conspiracy that led to his wrongful suspension and public disgrace.
The narrative begins in 1980, as Brideau, then a Lieutenant and Patrol/Administrative Commander, discovers startling allegations of corruption involving theft, dereliction of duty, and unethical behavior among his colleagues, including high-ranking officials. As he attempts to address these issues, Brideau becomes the target of a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation and end his career. The story highlights systemic failures, a flawed disciplinary process, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their interests.
Through detailed accounts of incidents ranging from theft of public property to false allegations of brutality, Brideau sheds light on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement professionals. His unwavering commitment to integrity and justice is met with retaliation, culminating in an Article 78 legal proceeding-a type of lawsuit in New York used to challenge decisions made by governmental bodies.
Dedicated to his family and those who supported him during his ordeal, Article 78 is not just a personal account of survival but also a scathing critique of a broken system. The book captures the essence of small-town politics, the fragility of trust, and the resilience required to fight back against institutional wrongs.
This memoir will resonate with readers interested in true crime, police procedurals, and stories of whistleblowers fighting for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. It serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of standing up for one’s principles in a world where loyalty can be weaponized and truth is often the first casualty.
