Departing NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell remains mum about her abrupt resignation, but she’s rather voluble about her historic appointment just a year-and-a-half ago.
Mayor Eric Adams host a Juneteenth celebration at Gracie Mansion on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Professionalism or a genuine absence of bad blood? The facts remain that Sewell is the first woman and third Black person sworn in as the top cop of the country’s largest police force, earning the distinction on January 1, 2022, when Adams took office. She suddenly stepped down last Monday, June 12.
Under Sewell, the NYPD saw marked decreases in shootings and homicides, which disproportionately affect Black and brown New Yorkers—both as victims and suspects. But general index crime numbers rose, spurred by upticks in property-related felonies like grand larceny and burglary citywide, driving public safety concerns, especially in neighborhoods where gun violence is rare or non-existent.
“Commissioner Sewell broke barriers as the first woman, and first Black woman, to lead the largest police force in the country,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I empathize with the unique challenges she faced that are so familiar to many of us in positions that have not traditionally been held by those who look like us. Despite differences about NYPD disciplinary policies, we shared a bond and mutual respect as professionals.
“I hope that the next person to take this role is ready to be a true partner in public safety, who recognizes the role police play without inflating it, and is willing to sincerely adopt greater transparency and meaningful accountability,” said Williams.
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