Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Joseph Picciano was shot and killed by a prisoner at the 41st Precinct building at 1086 Simpson Street. Detective Picciano was fingerprinting a suspect that he and other members of the 41st Precinct Detective Squad had arrested for abducting a 13-year-old boy. As he was being fingerprinted, the suspect began to struggle with Detective Picciano. During the struggle, Detective Picciano's service revolver fell to the ground. The suspect was able to gain control of the weapon and fired two shots, killing Detective Picciano. Other members of the Detective Squad were able to return fire, killing the suspect. Detective Picciano had served with the New York City Police Department for ten years and was assigned to the 41st Detective Squad.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-582F9BED- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Picciano gave the New York City Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Picciano.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Joseph A. Picciano is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph A. Picciano's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph A. Picciano Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph A. Picciano is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph A. Picciano was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
