New York City Police Commissioner
Overview
The position of the New York City Police Commissioner is the top-ranking official in the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The Commissioner is appointed by the Mayor, and serves at the Mayor's pleasure. The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department as well as the appointment of deputies and subordinate officers.
History
The office of the Police Commissioner was created with the 1857 establishment of the Metropolitan Police Department. The Commissioner replaced the previous system of a board of police, establishing a single head of the department for the first time. The first Commissioner was George W. Matsell, who served from 1857 to 1862.
Responsibilities
The Commissioner has a broad range of responsibilities and powers within the NYPD. These include maintaining public order, preventing and detecting crime, and enforcing the laws of New York City. The Commissioner also has the power to appoint and promote officers and to discipline and dismiss officers for cause.
Appointment
The Commissioner is appointed by the Mayor of New York City and serves at the Mayor's pleasure. The term of office is not fixed, and the Commissioner serves until replaced by the Mayor. The appointment is subject to approval by the City Council.
List of Commissioners
There have been over 40 individuals who have served as Police Commissioner since the creation of the position. Some of the most notable include Theodore Roosevelt, who served from 1895 to 1897, and William J. Bratton, who served two non-consecutive terms from 1994 to 1996 and again from 2014 to 2016.
Controversies
The position of Police Commissioner has often been a source of controversy, with several Commissioners having been forced to resign due to scandal or criminal charges. These include Bernard Kerik, who served from 2000 to 2001 and was later convicted of tax fraud and lying to White House officials, and Albert Seedman, who served from 1971 to 1972 and was forced to resign following the controversial shooting of a black teenager.
Impact
The Police Commissioner has a significant impact on the city of New York. The policies and strategies implemented by the Commissioner can have a major effect on crime rates and public safety. The Commissioner also plays a key role in shaping the public image of the NYPD.