NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell announced her resignation on Monday after just a year and a half in charge of one of the nation's largest police departments.
"I have made the decision to step down from my position," Sewell said in a memo to NYPD staff. "While my time here will come to a close, I will never step away from my advocacy and support for the NYPD, and I will always be a champion for the people of New York City."
The 51-year-old Queens native did not give a reason for her departure or her next move. Sources told 1010 WINS that Sewell will leave at the end of June.
It wasn't immediately clear whether Sewell notified the mayor's office at the same time she notified department staff. But it appears that Adams wasn't aware of it at a news conference Monday morning.
When a reporter questioned Adams about when the NYPD's 12-hour shifts would officially begin since they are currently only a pilot program, the mayor responded, "I'll find out from the commissioner if it's started already because she's going to make the decision on when it starts and how long it's going to run and do the analysis, and then I'll be able to let you know."
In December 2021, then-mayor-elect Adams tapped Sewell to lead the NYPD after serving as chief of detectives in the Nassau County Police Department, where she was based for 25 years.
When she was sworn in on Jan. 1, 2022, she became only the third Black person and the first woman to lead the department.
"Since I joined your 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," Sewell said in her memo. "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."
After Sewell announced her exit, Adams thanked her and praised "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," he added. "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."
As of June 11, crime was up this year by only .92%, according to NYPD statistics. Shootings decreased by 25%, murders by 12.5%, rapes by 9.5% and transit crimes by 7.9%.
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