NYPD Commissioner Resigns Amid Federal Investigation, Interim Commissioner Sworn In
City Council Calls for Review of Misconduct Rules
City Council members are calling on the interim NYPD commissioner to review the department’s misconduct rules following a report that penalties for officer misconduct were lowered in recent days.
The CITY reported that outgoing Commissioner Edward Caban watered down the penalties for police misconduct and abuses just three days before he resigned amid a federal investigation.
Background on Commissioner Caban’s Resignation
Commissioner Caban resigned on Thursday, effective immediately, amid a federal investigation into the NYPD’s nightclub enforcement. He was the first Latino to serve as commissioner of the NYPD in its 179-year history.
New Interim Commissioner Sworn In
Tom Donlon, who has extensive experience in law enforcement at local, state, and federal levels of government, was sworn in as the interim commissioner.
City Council’s Statement
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Public Safety Committee Chair Yusef Salaam issued a statement calling for a review of the policies by Donlon, stating that "the Council enacted the creation of a disciplinary matrix with the NYPD to help ensure proper and standardized penalties for misconduct. Yet under this administration, we continue to see the erosion of accountability and safeguards designed to protect New Yorkers."
Revised Misconduct Rules
The NYPD’s disciplinary matrix was revised on September 9, lowering penalties for violations of department rules and regulations, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language, firearm-related incidents, off-duty misconduct, and prohibited conduct.
Reactions
Adams said at an afternoon briefing that he had accepted Caban’s resignation and wishes him well, adding that his administration remained focused on running the city.
Investigation Updates
The development comes days after News 4 reported the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division had joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York in the inquiry. At least one phone belonging to Caban was among several the SDNY and IRS seized from multiple NYPD officials.
Conclusion
The recent events surrounding the NYPD Commissioner’s resignation and the calls for a review of the department’s misconduct rules have raised concerns about accountability and trust in the police force. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what changes will be made to ensure the public’s safety and confidence in the NYPD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Commissioner Caban resign?
A: Commissioner Caban resigned amid a federal investigation into the NYPD’s nightclub enforcement.
Q: Who is the new interim commissioner?
A: Tom Donlon, who has extensive experience in law enforcement, was sworn in as the interim commissioner.
Q: What changes were made to the misconduct rules?
A: The NYPD’s disciplinary matrix was revised to lower penalties for violations of department rules and regulations, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language, firearm-related incidents, off-duty misconduct, and prohibited conduct.
Q: What is the purpose of the federal investigation?
A: The investigation is looking into possible corruption involving top aides to Mayor Eric Adams, including allegations that officers were asked to crack down harder on clubs that did not do business with the commissioner’s brother or if promotions were given to officers who played along with the potential scheme.
