A furor has erupted in the NYPD's 13th Precinct over a decision to hold its Christmas party at rapper Jay-Z's 40/40 Club.

The committee that organizes the precinct's social functions negotiated a great deal with the Chelsea nightspot to have the bash there tomorrow night, said a precinct insider. But many officers are refusing to attend.

"It's caused outrage, divisiveness and tremendous bitterness," our insider says. "Some officers are very upset. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was arrested on gun charges [in 2001], and he trashed the guys who did it as racist. And we've arrested bouncers at 40/40 in the past. It's just wrong to hold it there."

An NYPD spokesman had "no comment."

Former crack dealer Jay-Z was busted outside the Exit nightclub in April 2001 after his bodyguard was caught with a loaded gun. In 2000, Jay-Z was charged with assault following a knife attack on a record producer.

In past years the 13th has held its Christmas party at other spots in the precinct, such as the W Union Square and Park Avenue Country Club, paying full price and avoiding any appearance of impropriety.

Posted by Lawren at December 13, 2004 06:25 AM

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