The New York Police Department, also known as the NYPD, is the primary law enforcement establishment of New York City. In her quest for stories, April O'Neil often runs afoul of the NYPD captain, a man named Stearnes. Because she is tenacious, Stearnes finds her to be a constant irritant. However, he eventually learns that she has "special friends" who are able to assist the department and a tenuous bond is formed with both April and the Tartarughe Ninja.