New York City’s 48th Police Commissioner Sworn In
Jessica Tisch officially became the 48th police commissioner in NYPD history on Monday, as Mayor Eric Adams swore her in as the second woman to hold the post during a ceremony at One Police Plaza.
A New Era for the NYPD
Tisch, previously the sanitation commissioner, arrived at police headquarters in Lower Manhattan on November 25 with her children in hand and a round of applause from attendees that included NYPD brass and previous top cops such as Dermot Shea and Raymond Kelly. Although she does not have uniformed police experience, Mayor Adams emphasized that she can still lead the NYPD to success.
Addressing Concerns
"I push back on anyone who believes she had to wear a police uniform to take the Police Department to the next level. She can wear any uniform and accomplish the task," Adams said.
The Oath of Office
Tisch placed her hand on her grandmother’s Bible and took the oath of office, solemnly swearing to discharge her duties as police commissioner to the best of her abilities.
A Message to the Public
Following the ceremony, the new police commissioner pledged to lead the city in a safe return to normalcy. "My greatest hope is that together, we will return this noble undertaking, this job of high moral purpose, to a time and a place where you want your children, your grandchildren, your nieces, your nephews, to follow in your footsteps and become police officers," Tisch said. "The police exist to eliminate fear and disorder, your cops, like generations before them, nobly put their lives on the line each and every time they put on that uniform to protect you and your families, and they do a damn good job of it. We will continue to do that most important foundational work to make you safe."
Background
Tisch’s appointment marks the fourth new police commissioner in three years, following Keechant Sewell, Edward Caban, and Thomas Donlon.
Bratton’s Expectations
Bill Bratton, who served as NYPD commissioner during the Giuliani and de Blasio administrations, expressed enthusiasm for Tisch’s appointment, saying, "I think she’s going to do a great job if the mayor lets her. I think it’s quite important that the mayor make it quite clear what he wants and gets out of the way and lets her do it. I think that was the issue with his previous three commissioners… and that’s why he had three previous commissioners."
Conclusion
As Tisch begins her tenure as the 48th police commissioner of the NYPD, she faces the challenge of leading the department in a safe return to normalcy. With her experience in civilian roles within the NYPD and her commitment to public safety, Tisch is well-positioned to make a positive impact.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Tisch’s appointment as police commissioner?
A: Tisch is the second woman to hold the position of police commissioner in the NYPD’s history.
Q: What is Tisch’s experience with the NYPD?
A: Tisch previously served in civilian roles within the NYPD, but does not have uniformed police experience.
Q: What are the challenges facing Tisch as police commissioner?
A: Tisch will need to navigate the challenges of leading the NYPD in a safe return to normalcy, while also addressing concerns about her lack of uniformed police experience.
