Jessica Tisch Appointed as New NYPD Commissioner by Mayor Eric Adams

Jessica Tisch, the current commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation, has been appointed as the new commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) by Mayor Eric Adams. The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Tisch will become the second female commissioner in the NYPD’s 179-year history, following Keechant Sewell, who was also appointed by Adams.

Tisch brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having spent 12 years with the NYPD, where she served as a crime strategy expert and deputy commissioner of information technology. She oversaw the department’s 911 operations and played a crucial role in using technology to transform the NYPD’s business processes, including dispatching officers and managing crime reports.

As the commissioner of the Department of Sanitation, Tisch led significant initiatives, including the “Trash Revolution,” which has containerized 70% of the city’s trash and implemented weekly universal curbside composting services to all 3.5 million residences in New York City. She also served as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) and as the citywide chief information officer from December 2019 to January 2022, where she managed the city’s COVID-19 pandemic response and rolled out the city’s first text-to-911 capability.

Mayor Adams praised Tisch’s experience and leadership, stating that she is a “strong, battle-tested leader” who will continue to drive down crime and ensure New Yorkers feel safe. Interim Commissioner Tom Donlon will step aside to allow Tisch to take the helm of the NYPD, effective Monday.

Tisch’s appointment comes at a time when the NYPD is facing several challenges, including federal investigations and the recent resignation of former Commissioner Edward Caban in September. Tisch has expressed her commitment to advancing Mayor Adams’ vision of a safer city and to building public confidence and trust in the police department.