Congressional members want probe into NYPD-CIA relationship

Nearly three dozen federal lawmakers Wednesday demanded an investigation into the relationship between the CIA and NYPD in the police department's monitoring of New York Muslims.

The letter, signed by 34 members of Congress, comes after an Associated Press investigation this year detailed the partnership between the two organizations in their efforts to root out terrorist plots.

But Muslims and civil liberties experts have decried the tactics -- which have included the NYPD monitoring mosques, bookstores and cafes -- as "potentially illegal." A veteran CIA officer reportedly helped the NYPD develop its program.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said the partnership has found support in Washington.

House Homeland Security Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) "strongly supported the NYPD/CIA relationship and condemned as utterly ill-informed those members of Congress who criticized it," Browne said.

Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey also recently said the CIA helping the NYPD is not unlawful.

The letter calling for a probe was sent to the Department of Justice and House Judiciary Committee, the AP reported.