Appointment of NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters

March 7, 2019

New York City Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill announced today the appointment of Judge Ernest F. Hart as the Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters. Judge Hart will begin his appointment on March 18, 2019.

"Judge Hart joins the department with vast legal and public service experience that will help further the work of the department to cultivate trust and keep New Yorkers safe," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "I look forward to Judge Hart's dedication to serving the men and women of the NYPD and all New Yorkers in furthering our work to increase the public safety all of all 8.6 million New Yorkers."

"It is an honor to join the Police Department and support the incredible work the NYPD does each and every day," said Judge Ernest F. Hart. "As a lifelong public servant, I look forward to getting right to work and continuing to build on the historic progress the department has made to keep all New Yorkers safe."

The NYPD Legal Bureau provides assistance to law enforcement personnel regarding department legal matters. The bureau assists members of the service in interpreting and enforcing state, federal, and local laws; ensures that the policies and practices of the department are lawful and are fairly applied; develops legislation in accordance with the needs of the department and public safety concerns; and furthers the quality of life of New Yorkers and visitors through the focused and aggressive use of civil enforcement remedies.

Biography

Judge Ernest F. Hart joins the department from the New York State Supreme Court, Civil Term, having previously served as a New York City Criminal Court Judge. In addition, he is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Queensborough Community College. Before becoming a judge, Mr. Hart was Associate Dean and Chief Operating Officer of the Columbia University Medical Center/Affiliation at Harlem Hospital where he was responsible for supervision of academic and clinical service operations and strategic planning. Mr. Hart began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office and was chair of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board. He has served on several boards and commissions and is currently Chair of Martin De Porres Group and Family Services which serves at risk youth.

Mr. Hart earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Villanova University School of Law, Master's Degree in Theology from Saint Joseph's Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University. He was born and raised in Queens, New York and currently resides there with his three children.