It has taken the NYPD 176 years, since its official inception, to finally appoint a female police commissioner. Keechant Sewell was sworn in as NYPD’s police commissioner by newly-elected mayor Eric Adams.
Sewell is ‘truly honored’ and ready to head NYPD’s finest. Here’s the DL.
Sewell Is From Queens
Keechant Sewell is no stranger to NYPD or New York City. Hailing from Queens, she was with Nassau Police Department for 23 years where she specialized in narcotics, major cases, and hostage negotiation. She was also promoted to chief of detectives last year.
After being sworn in, Sewell tweeted, “As we begin the next chapter in policing, we’re calling on all New Yorkers to help us drive crime out every community. Our path to success means working together – and with fresh eyes & bold ideas, we will become the blueprint for effective and fair public safety. We start today.”
This was accompanied by a video as well.
She also announced her team, assuring New Yorkers that they are in safe hands.
With Edward Caban as @NYPDFirstDep and Ken Corey as @NYPDChiefofDept, New Yorkers can rest assured the NYPD will face NYC’s crime challenges head on. Their combined 60 years of experience will help move us forward and keep our city safe—in partnership with every person we serve. pic.twitter.com/DAXc6yura2
— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) January 2, 2022
Commissioner Keechant Sewell Feels Honored
Sewell is the 45th New York City Police Commissioner and the first female to hold the post, and the joy is visible in her oath alone.
I’m truly honored to be the 45th New York City Police Commissioner. This oath reflects my deep commitment to our great city – and the individuals who are ranked as New York’s Finest. I’m privileged to be here and ready to work! pic.twitter.com/69ns4zOYfD
— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) January 1, 2022
She tweeted, along with the video of the ceremony, “This oath reflects my deep commitment to our great city – and the individuals who are ranked as New York’s Finest. I’m privileged to be here and ready to work!”
People seem to be rooting for her as one Twitter user wrote, “You will do GREAT things commissioner. Just like Mayor Adams, you both will tackle the violence and support the NYPD the way it should. Congratulations and God bless!”
Meanwhile more New Yorkers started pouring in their requests and complaints, asking her to “go do your job” and remove “motorized scooters” and more… Seems like Sewell has her hands full.
Mayor Adams Promised A Female Commissioner
Sewell’s appointment was by newly-sworn in NYC mayor Eric Adams, whose campaign had promised New York a female police commissioner. And so Mayor Adams has delivered, after being sworn in shortly after the clock ran 12:00 on January 1, 2022, at the Times Square. He’s New York’s 110th mayor and a retired NYPD captain, along with being the second Black mayor.
Adams has a lot of plans for New York City, and said in an interview, “The next mayor really must be someone who has gone through a lot, so they can help people who are going through a lot. I think it’s important now for New Yorkers to say we’re not looking for a new friend when we have an old friend. People in this city, they know me and I know them.”
