NYPD Executive Promotions Include New Chief of Department and Chief of Patrol

January 18, 2018

The New York City Police Department made a series of high-level promotions and transfers to support Neighborhood Policing, the new and expanding paradigm for police operations in New York City.

"To complete the sweeping organizational change represented by Neighborhood Policing, we require the talent, the vision, and the leadership of the people we're promoting today," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill at the January 18th promotion ceremony.

Chief Terence Monahan served previously as Chief of Patrol and was, together with Commissioner O'Neill, a principal architect of Neighborhood Policing. He will serve as Chief of Department, the highest uniformed rank in the NYPD. At the promotion ceremony, Commissioner O'Neill called the chief a proven, highly skilled crime-fighter and innovator.

"He saw what I saw –– that the old model of policing just wasn't working in the most efficient way possible and that business-as-usual was not getting the job done," Commissioner O'Neill said. "He knew that we had to fix it and he helped us figure out how. He's been there from the very beginning of our effort to fundamentally reshape this department."

"Make no mistake," said Chief Monahan, "Neighborhood Policing is not a program. This is not an initiative. It is a fundamental change for the entire agency. Each of us working towards reducing crime and building trust. If we want our communities to trust our cops and respect our cops, than we, sitting up here in leadership roles, need to respect our cops and trust our cops."

As the newly promoted Chief of Patrol, Chief Rodney Harrison will oversee all 77 patrol precincts in the department. Chief Harrison, formerly the executive officer of the Patrol Services Bureau was Chief Monahan's principal assistant in the implementation of Neighborhood Policing.

"In his nearly 27-year career, Rodney has worked in every borough of New York City and this wide experience helps him understand and truly connect with communities all across our city," said Commissioner O'Neill. "Neighborhood Policing is not a 'one-size-fits-all' solution, and if we tried to do it that way, it would never work. Luckily, we have leaders like Rodney to ensure that it's tailored correctly and that it works well everywhere."

"Under Neighborhood Policing, many cops are working on building relationships with the community," said Chief Harrison." It is important that the 36,000 men and women are constantly acknowledged for their great work."

Chief Edward Delatorre previously served as commanding officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island and helped launch Neighborhood Policing in the 120th, 122nd, and 123rd Precincts. He will now lead the Transit Bureau.

Formerly the executive officer of the Risk Management Bureau, Chief Nilda Hofmann will now head the Community Affairs Bureau, where she will serve as a liaison with the city's neighborhoods, helping to ensure that every community has a voice in the NYPD and Neighborhood Policing.

Chief Harry Wedin, previously the commanding officer of the Special Operations Division, now becomes the Chief of Special Operations. He will lead many of the most highly trained and skilled officers in specialty units in the city who serve as a critical back-up to patrol.

Previously commanding officer of the Police Academy, Chief Theresa Shortell now heads the NYPD's Training Bureau. Among other responsibilities, she ensures that newly hired officers receive the best classroom and field training possible and helps Neighborhood Coordination Officers learn a variety of skills for working with communities and solving local crime and disorder problems.

Chief William Morris oversaw the launch of Neighborhood Policing in the 7th, 9th, and 10th Precincts as Chief of Manhattan South. As the newly appointed Chief of Personnel he will ensure the NYPD continues to attract and keep the most talented and motivated police force possible.

Deputy Commissioner Tracie Keesee, who previously headed the Training Bureau, will become the NYPD's Equity and Inclusion Officer. For Neighborhood Policing to be truly effective, the department must make sure that all aspects of the NYPD reflect the diversity of New York City.

Chief John Donohue, who most recently worked as the executive officer of the Intelligence Bureau and was commanding officer of the Office of Management Analysis and Planning, has become the Chief of Strategic Initiatives, managing many of the department's critical analytic and planning functions. The work of the Strategic Initiatives Bureau will continue to inform and evaluate the ongoing implementation and fine tuning of Neighborhood Policing.

Chief Fausto Pichardo, who was the commanding officer of the 43rd Precinct, was promoted to Assistant Chief. He will serve as executive officer of the Patrol Services Bureau, assisting Chief Harrison with the further implementation of Neighborhood Policing. He has also served as executive officer of the 28th Precinct and as commanding officer of the 33rd Precinct.

Chief Stephen Hughes, recently commanding officer of the Strategic Response Group, was promoted to Assistant Chief and Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan South. He has served as executive officer of the Midtown North Precinct and commanding officer of the 10th Precinct and the Warrant Section.

Maria Otero was promoted to Assistant Commissioner and will remain in her current assignment at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Administration, continuing her work enhancing morale, improving employee engagement, and fostering better communication within the department.