New York City Mayor Eric Adams Appoints Jessica Tisch as Police Commissioner
A Critical Time for the NYPD
Moving to stabilize an administration roiled by investigations, resignations, and his own indictment, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has appointed sanitation chief Jessica Tisch as police commissioner. A city government stalwart and ex-NYPD official, she will be just the second woman in the high-profile, high-pressure post.
Tisch’s Background
Tisch, 43, has worked for the city for 16 years, holding leadership roles in several agencies. As sanitation commissioner, she became TikTok famous when she declared in 2022, "The rats don’t run the city, we do."
Adams’ Statement
"I need someone that’s going to take the police department into the next century," Adams said, praising Tisch as a "visionary" and lauding her track record of improving city operations.
Tisch’s Approach
Tisch believes "very deeply in the nobility of the police and the profession of policing" and is "looking forward to coming home." She also took time during her introductory press conference to address the rank and file of the department.
Addressing the NYPD
"I’ve watched with pride over the last three years as you’ve driven down crime in many categories to pre-pandemic levels, both in our subway system and on our streets," she said.
Her Experience
Tisch’s first job in city government was in the NYPD’s counterterrorism bureau. As planning and policy director, she helped shape post-9/11 security infrastructure, deploying mobile radiation detectors and helping develop a digital information-sharing tool with instant access to surveillance cameras and license-plate readers.
Her Tenure
Tisch’s tenure has transcended three mayors: Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Adams. In 2019, after more than a decade at the NYPD, de Blasio appointed her to run the city’s technology agency. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she had a key role in the city’s response, managing the digital infrastructure that facilitated a rapid shift to remote work, learning, and online services.
Criticism
Tisch’s family wealth has led to criticism that she’s a nepo baby — or, rather, a nepo appointee. Adams pushed back on that, saying Tisch "does not have to be in city government. She’s here because of the love of the city."
Conclusion
Jessica Tisch takes over as police commissioner on Monday, November 25. She said fighting crime and keeping New Yorkers safe is her top priority. With her extensive experience in the NYPD and city government, Tisch is well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Jessica Tisch?
A: Jessica Tisch is the new police commissioner of New York City, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams.
Q: What is Tisch’s background?
A: Tisch has worked for the city for 16 years, holding leadership roles in several agencies, including the NYPD’s counterterrorism bureau and the city’s technology agency.
Q: What is Tisch’s approach to policing?
A: Tisch believes in the nobility of the police and the profession of policing and is committed to keeping New Yorkers safe.
Q: Why was Tisch appointed commissioner?
A: Tisch was appointed commissioner to stabilize the administration and bring leadership to the NYPD after a tumultuous stretch.
Q: What is Tisch’s family background?
A: Tisch comes from a wealthy family, with her father being the president and CEO of Loews Corporation and her mother being the former chancellor of the state Board of Regents.
