Rebecca Weiner Becomes First Woman to Lead NYPD’s Counterterrorism Efforts

Edited by:  Fern Sidman

After a prolonged period of vacancy, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has named its new counterterrorism chief, and history has been made. The New York Post reported that Rebecca Weiner, a seasoned 17-year veteran of the NYPD, was sworn in on Tuesday as the deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, making her the first woman to serve in this crucial role on the department’s executive team.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at One Police Plaza, where Mayor Eric Adams praised the significance of this appointment, according to the Post report. He highlighted that Weiner’s selection was yet another milestone in the city’s police department history. Mayor Adams also commended her extensive experience and remarkable skills as an intelligence analyst, as evidenced by her impressive 17-year tenure with the NYPD, during which she held various civilian titles in her field, the Post report indicated.

Adams said, “It is my privilege and honor to announce the appointment of Rebecca Weiner as the New York City’s Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counter Intelligence, the first woman in the history to hold this role.”

He added that prior to assuming these leadership responsibilities, Weiner “served as the assistant commissioner of the New York City Police Department Counter-Terrorism Operations and Analysis sections, developing internationally-recognized intelligence, and a threat analysis program that has helped protect the 8.5 million New Yorkers who call our city home.”

He added that, “the incoming deputy commissioner also served as the first representative of the local law enforcement on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Council, where she focused on transnational crime and terrorism. She previously served as legal counsel to the Intelligence Bureau’s Intelligence Analysis Unit and as a team leader for the Middle East and North Africa overseeing intelligence collection and analysis related to threats associated with those regions. Before joining the NYPD in 2006, the commissioner was an international security fellow at the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, a biotechnology consultant at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and a science and technology research associate at the Council on Foreign Relations.”

“New Yorkers should be proud of the fact that they have someone of this caliber and experience right here in our city and in the department that she loved and she has served, “ Adams said.

Rebecca Weiner’s appointment fills the void left by John Miller, who retired in June 2022 after almost a decade in the civilian position, the Post report indicated.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Weiner was joined by her family, including her husband and their two young boys, emphasizing the significance of the moment for both her career and personal life, as was reported by the Post.  The position she now holds is regarded as one of the city’s most crucial aspects in combatting terrorism and ensuring the safety of its residents.

Mayor Adams acknowledged that filling this position took more than a year, but he emphasized the importance of making the right choice for such a critical role. As was reported by the Post, he assured the public that even during the period without a deputy commissioner, the NYPD’s “deep bench” of professionals, including Weiner, continued to run day-to-day operations effectively.

Chief Thomas Galati temporarily took charge of the division as a three-star chief in December, filling the uniformed equivalent of the civilian role, but he announced his retirement in March, adding further urgency to the appointment process, the Post report said.

Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who was recently sworn in as the city’s top cop, expressed his admiration for Rebecca Weiner’s exceptional abilities. The Post reported that he credited her for playing a pivotal role in building “the single best intelligence analyst program” in the world, which undoubtedly contributed to the department’s effectiveness in safeguarding the city.

Weiner’s commitment to protecting the homeland is deeply ingrained in her family’s history. The Post reported that her grandfather had been involved in significant historical projects, including the Manhattan Project and the creation of the Hydrogen Bomb, contributing to the end of World War II. She carries this legacy proudly and is a firm believer in the power of intelligence, technology, and knowledge to ensure safety, save lives, and prevent crime.

During her speech, Rebecca Weiner expressed gratitude to her predecessors, John Miller and Tom Galati, as well as the outgoing commissioner Keechant Sewell, for their support and dedication, the Post report said. She recognizes the immense responsibility that comes with leading the NYPD’s counterterrorism efforts and is eager to take on the challenges ahead.

With Rebecca Weiner assuming her new role, the NYPD gains a strong and capable leader who will undoubtedly continue to prioritize the safety and security of New York City. Her appointment not only breaks barriers but also symbolizes the NYPD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, setting an inspiring example for future generations of law enforcement professionals.