NEW YORK — Friday is the first working day for NYPD Interim Commissioner Tom Donlonwho takes over for Edward Caban after his dismissal.
Donlon becomes the Third Police Chief of New York City in less than three years. He previously served as director of the city’s Office of Homeland Security and led the FBI’s National Threat Center and the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force.
“Tom is an experienced law enforcement professional who has worked at the local, state, federal and international levels,” said Mayor Eric Adams at Thursday’s announcement.
“My goals are clear: continue the historic progress in reducing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” Donlon said in a statement.
Donlon’s extensive counter-terrorism experience will be crucial as the city hosts a number of high-profile events, including New York Fashion Week, the United Nations General Assemblyand a year later the attack of October 7.
“What needs to happen now is the interim police commissioner comes in, he’s briefed by people who know the department very well,” former NYPD deputy commissioner and CBS News New York Law Enforcement contributor Richard Esposito explained Thursday. “He’ll then decide what changes need to be made to ensure continuity of senior management and how to ensure that senior management is in sync with the crime fighting, with the criminal investigation department.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban Resigns
Caban sent a letter to the members of the department on Thursday announcing his resignationwhich takes effect on Friday. He said he was stepping down to avoid distractions after he among those raided by federal authorities last week.
“I have tremendous respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department. The NYPD deserves someone who can focus solely on protecting and serving New York City. That is why, for the good of this city and this department, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Chief of Police,” Caban wrote.
The commissioner was confronted increasing calls for resignation after federal agents seized his cell phonetogether with telephones belonging to his twin brother James and several other police officers.
CBS News New York has learned that federal authorities are investigating possible corruption in the city’s nightclub enforcement involving James Caban, the owner of a nightclub security company. According to sources, he allegedly worked as a fixer to smooth over noise complaints and other violations.
As for Edward Caban, his attorney said in a statement that he is not the target of any investigation and that he expects him to cooperate fully.
Meanwhile, there are several others House searches were also carried out on members of the mayor’s inner circleas federal authorities continue to investigate his administration.
Elia Westbrook
