Eddie Caban Becomes First Hispanic Top Cop of the NYPD

Eddie Caban Becomes First Hispanic Top Cop of the NYPD

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a ceremonial passing of the baton, Mayor Adams of New York City has announced that First Deputy Commissioner Eddie Caban will temporarily assume the role of Police Commissioner, making him the first top cop of Hispanic descent in the history of the NYPD. The announcement came as Mayor Adams bid farewell to outgoing Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and acknowledged her significant contributions to the city’s safety during her tenure.

“Until we name a permanent replacement, Eddie Caban has taken the helm as acting police commissioner,” Mayor Adams stated in a news release. He commended Caban as a consummate professional with over three decades of dedicated service in the NYPD, assuring the hard-working men and women of the police department that they have a capable leader until a formal appointment is made in the following weeks.

“Commissioner Caban is a consummate professional with over three decades of service in the NYPD. I know the hard-working men and women of our city’s police department have a strong leader in place until a more formal announcement is made in the coming weeks,” Mayor Adams added.

The Police Benevolent Association also released a statement praising Caban.

“We have always had a strong relationship with Commissioner Caban, and we look forward to continuing that relationship as he takes on this new role,” PBA President Patrick Hendry said, according to the report in the New York Post. “We will need to start working with him immediately to address the NYPD’s morale and staffing problems. Commissioner Caban knows these problems are hurting public safety. The solutions absolutely cannot wait.”

The unexpected resignation of Commissioner Sewell on June 12th caught many by surprise. Sources indicated that her decision stemmed from feeling a lack of authority in the department’s top job, with Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Phil Banks allegedly exerting excessive involvement in operational matters. However, Mayor Adams took the opportunity to express his admiration for Sewell’s leadership and groundbreaking achievements as the first woman and first black woman to head the NYPD. He recognized her contributions to public safety, citing a decrease in major crimes since the beginning of her administration.

“Commissioner Sewell not only led the NYPD with distinction and honor every day, but she inspired millions of young girls and boys in her role,” Adams wrote. “… today, we are safer than we were on January 1, 2022, with most major crimes down, and that is thanks, in large part, to Commissioner Sewell taking a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer. All New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude, and we wish her the best as she embarks on the next chapter,” Adams said as was reported by the New York Post.

Sewell’s popularity among the rank and file of the department was evident during her final appearance at the NYPD’s Police Academy in Queens. She received multiple standing ovations and emotional tributes from officers, underscoring the impact she had made on their lives and careers. Sewell, who resides on Long Island, has yet to disclose her future plans.

As the second-in-command, Caban has been involved in policy development, personnel management, recruit and in-service training, and overall supervision of the discipline system within the NYPD. His extensive experience and commitment to public service make him well-suited for the role of acting police commissioner. Caban holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University and is a respected figure within the department.

Beyond his professional achievements, Caban is a family man. He is married to Leidy Caban, and together they have a son named Edward and a daughter named Ava. His father, Juan Caban, served as a NYC Transit Police Detective and held the position of President of the Transit Police Hispanic Society, demonstrating a family legacy of commitment to law enforcement.

As Eddie Caban assumes the role of acting police commissioner, the city of New York looks ahead to a future appointment for the permanent position. The mayor’s decision will shape the direction of the NYPD and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.