It seemed like a routine traffic stop. An officer from the 44th Precinct in the Bronx pulled over a motorist for talking on her cellphone while driving. The motorist faced a $50 fine and five points on her license if it was a first time violation.

But this wasn’t just any motorist. Officer Michele Hernandez had pulled over City Councilwoman Vanessa L. Gibson, chair of the public safety committee.

While her car was stopped, Ms. Gibson called Kevin Catalina, the commanding officer of the 44th Precinct, who was at home at the time of the incident. Deputy Inspector Catalina instructed the desk officer at the precinct to tell Officer Hernandez not to issue a ticket, Ms. Gibson said.

When Officer Hernandez returned to Ms. Gibson’s car, the councilwoman handed the officer her cellphone. Deputy Inspector Catalina — who was later promoted to deputy chief — was on the line.