Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Philip Banks at City Hall on April 3, 2022. © Seth Harrison / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is stepping down, according to reports. The New York Post first reported her resignation, quoting an email she’d sent to the department. Almost a year and a half ago, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Sewell as the first woman to serve as NYPD commissioner.
The Post reports that Sewell’s email reads: “Since I joined you almost a year and a half ago we have faced tremendous tragedy, challenges and triumphs together. I have witnessed your compassion, heroics and selflessness on a daily basis. They have reaffirmed to me what people around the globe have always known: you are an extraordinary collective of hard working public servants dedicated to the safety of this city, engaging our communities and sharing what we know with our partners for the benefit of the world. Please continue to do what you do well to secure this city.”
WABC’s Curtis Sliwa had reported months ago that Sewell had been effectively rendered powerless within her own department. He noted there were a number of press conferences where Mayor Adams and Commissioner Sewell failed to appear alongside each other, which was atypical.
Reached for comment, Mayor Adams said: “I want to thank Police Commissioner Sewell for her devotion over the last 18 months and her steadfast leadership. Her efforts played a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer. When we came into office, crime was trending upwards, and thanks to the brave men and women of the NYPD, most of the major crime categories are now down. The commissioner worked nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a year and a half, and we are all grateful for her service. New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude.”
