Who is the New York City Police Commissioner?
The New York City Police Commissioner is the highest-ranking police officer in the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the NYPD, as well as implementing policies and strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of New York City’s residents and visitors. The Commissioner is also responsible for overseeing the NYPD’s approximately 56,000 uniformed police officers and 20,000 civilian employees.
History of the NYC Police Commissioner
The New York City Police Department has a rich history dating back to 1845 when the first Commissioner, Frank McClennan, was appointed. The Commissioner was responsible for setting the strategy and direction of the Department, as well as dealing with the increasingly complex criminal activity in New York City.
The Current New York City Police Commissioner
The current New York City Police Commissioner is Keechant L. Sewell, a veteran law enforcement professional who was sworn in as Commissioner on January 1, 2021. Sewell is the first Black woman to serve as NYPD Commissioner and was previously the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Background and Career
Prior to becoming NYPD Commissioner, Sewell served as Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) from 2019 to 2021. During her tenure at PPD, Sewell focused on building strong relationships with the community and improving police legitimacy. Before becoming Commissioner, Sewell was a detective and Captain in the Philadelphia Police Department, where she worked for over 25 years. She also holds a degree in Criminal Justice from California University of Pennsylvania.
Priorities as NYPD Commissioner
As NYPD Commissioner, Keechant Sewell has identified several key priorities to address:
- Reducing Violence: Sewell has identified reducing violence and improving policing practices as one of her top priorities. She is committed to ensuring that all interactions between the police and the public are fair and respectful.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Sewell is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within the NYPD. She is working to improve recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups and to increase opportunities for career advancement for women and minorities.
- Crime Prevention: Sewell has identified crime prevention as another key priority. She is committed to reducing crime by implementing evidence-based strategies, such as community policing, and by building strong partnerships with community groups and civic organizations.
- Communication: Sewell is also committed to improving communication with the public. She recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability in building trust and fostering positive relationships with the communities the NYPD serves.
Notable Accomplishments
Under Sewell’s leadership, the NYPD has achieved several notable accomplishments:
- Decline in Shootings: In the first half of 2022, there was a 13.4% decline in shootings in NYC compared to the same period in 2021. Sewell credits this reduction to a combination of innovative policing strategies, community-based programs, and partnerships with local organizations.
- Increase in Traffic Safety: Under Sewell’s leadership, the NYPD has focused on increasing traffic safety efforts, resulting in a significant decline in traffic fatalities.
- Diversity Hiring: Sewell has launched initiatives to increase diversity in hiring, with a goal of increasing representation of Black, Hispanic, and female officers within the NYPD.
- Improved Community Outreach: Sewell has prioritized building relationships with the communities the NYPD serves, working to improve communication, transparency, and accountability.
Awards and Recognition
During her career, Keechant Sewell has received several awards and recognition for her outstanding work in law enforcement:
- 2021 National Heroism Award: Sewell was awarded the National Heroism Award for her tireless efforts in reducing violent crime and promoting community-police relations.
- 2020 NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Awards: Sewell was recognized with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Awards for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in policing.
- 2019 Philadelphia Liberty Bell Award: Sewell was awarded the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Award for her tireless efforts to promote fairness and equality in the criminal justice system.
Conclusion
The New York City Police Commissioner plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of New York City’s residents and visitors. Keechant L. Sewell is a respected and dedicated law enforcement professional who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role as Commissioner. With her strong commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and community-driven policing, Sewell is poised to continue the work of improving relationships between the NYPD and the communities the Department serves.
