Who is the Police Commissioner in New York City?
The police commissioner in New York City (NYPD) is the highest-ranking officer of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the largest and one of the most prominent police forces in the world. As of November 2020, the police commissioner in New York City is Commissioner Dermot F. Shea.
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The Role of the Police Commissioner
As the chief administrator of the NYPD, the police commissioner is responsible for overseeing the entire police department, which includes some 35,000 active-duty police officers, 3,500 transit officers, 2,800 detectives, and over 20,000 other members of support staff**.
Some of the key responsibilities of the police commissioner include:
- Setting overall direction and policy for the police department
- Implementing the police department’s operational plan
- Providing guidance to senior commanders and deputy chiefs
- Ensuring community engagement and trust between police and citizens
- Building and maintaining relationships with the City’s government and mayor’s office
- Maintaining partnerships with federal agencies, state and local police departments, and international organizations
Duties and Responsibilities of a Police Commissioner
Here are some additional duties and responsibilities of the police commissioner:
• Oversees budgeting and management of department resources
• Directs and supervises department staff, including hiring, promoting, and disciplined officers
• Determines internal and external investigations of high-profile incidents and department procedures
• Works with state and local authorities on various issues, such as crimes and enforcement efforts
• Represents the department at internal and external events and in the media
• Liaises with other departments within the city government to align efforts on crime-fighting initiatives
• Responds to department-wide emergency calls and operations
Responsibilities During State of Emergencies or Crisis
During state of emergencies, natural disasters, or national security threats, the police commissioner may take on enhanced responsibilities, including:
- Coordinating law enforcement efforts across agencies
- Directing response operations in emergency situations
- Leading public outreach and community briefing efforts
- Serving as the official representative of the police department in state-of-emergency situations
- Coordinating logistics for disaster relief and emergency responses
The Chief of Police in History of NYPD
The chief of police or police commissioner in the history of NYPD has undergone some significant transformations:
Colonial Era (1697-1799):
During this period, local authorities such as sheriffs or constables were responsible for maintaining order.
New York State Constitution (1812):
The office of police commissioner was formally created under the New York State Constitution. The police commissioners were elected by the community and held the responsibility to oversee police activities.
Late 19th-Century (1893):
The first-ever appointed police commissioner was Rufus B. Richardson in 1893.
Candidate Qualifications for the Role of Police Commissioner>
**Education and Qualification**
Candidates for the police commissioner role typically hold:
• A bachelor’s or advanced degree in law, criminology, political science, or related field
• Significant leadership, management, and organizational development experience in law enforcement
• Demonstrated success as a commander or leader of a significant unit or special operations group within the police department
