New York City Det. David Durk dies

A New York City detective who helped expose widespread police corruption in the 1960s and '70s has died.

David Durk died yesterday at his home in upstate Putnam County, at age 77. His death was confirmed by staff members at the Dwyer Funeral Home in Patterson.

Durk teamed up with fellow officer Frank Serpico to fight the so-called blue wall of silence that protected police misconduct.

After their efforts resulted in front-page newspaper stories, Mayor John V. Lindsay appointed a panel to investigate charges of police corruption.

The Knapp Commission was named after its chairman, Whitman Knapp. It heard testimony from Durk, Serpico and others and recommended reforms.

Durk was promoted to lieutenant and stayed in the department for more than a decade.

Serpico's story was turned into a movie.

-- AP