Commissioner O'Neill Appoints Phillip Walzak as DCPI

March 19, 2018

NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill today announced the appointment of Phillip T. Walzak as the department's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. "Phil showed me he is level-headed, dedicated, and thoroughly experienced," Commissioner O'Neill said. "He understands the NYPD's vital mission to maintain New York's stature as the safest large city in America. He is fully committed to our Neighborhood Policing philosophy – a crime-fighting approach that seeks to build trust and strengthen relationships among New Yorkers in all communities and the cops who serve them. Most importantly, Phil is committed to support at every level the men and women of the NYPD who put their lives on the line each day to keep us all safe," Commissioner O'Neill said.

A veteran of public service, Walzak previously served in the office of Mayor Bill de Blasio as Press Secretary from 2014 to 2015, and as Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning from 2015 to 2016. During his time at City Hall, Walzak worked closely with then-Chief of Department O'Neill on NYPD-related breaking news stories, and they quickly established a strong rapport. 

Walzak has also served as Director of Strategic Communications at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Sean Smith, former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, said, "Whether through his coordination with our federal law-enforcement partners, his deft management of time-sensitive assignments, or his strategic acuity, Phil greatly strengthened DHS's work to safeguard our nation." Smith, now Executive Vice President at Porter Novelli, concluded. "Commissioner O'Neill has made a wise choice to spearhead NYPD's communications mission." Additionally, Walzak has worked on a series of electoral campaigns, including the campaigns for New York City mayor in 2013 and 2017.

"Phil brings judgment and expertise to this important role," Commissioner O'Neill said. "He is a consummate professional with a passion for New York City and the people who live, work, and visit here. I am delighted to add Phil to our outstanding executive team."

In addition to serving as chief spokesperson for the nation's largest municipal police department, Walzak will plan, manage, and execute the NYPD's overall communications strategy. This includes imparting the vision, policies, and objectives of the NYPD to the people of New York City; delivering internal communications that help all department personnel do their jobs safely and effectively; and enhancing the NYPD's social and digital media footprint.

"I can think of no greater privilege than to work every day on behalf of the people of New York City and one of the most recognizable law enforcement agencies in the world," Walzak said. "Commissioner O'Neill has laid out an ambitious and exciting vision for the NYPD – a vision that is truly a model for our entire country. It is one that empowers our cops, forges deeper personal bonds in every neighborhood, and continues to drive record-low crime even lower. The NYPD and New York City have set the standard for American policing, and are again raising the bar. I am honored and humbled to be part of this incredibly important mission."

Walzak is scheduled to begin his new role in early April. He succeeds current Deputy Commissioner Stephen Davis, who announced his retirement earlier this month after more than four years on the job.

"Steve will be greatly missed at the NYPD.  As DCPI, Steve always explained in detail the real work being done by the men and women of the NYPD while ensuring the media got what they needed in times of crisis," Commissioner O'Neill said.  Up to his retirement as an NYPD captain in 1992, Davis served in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information starting in 1987.