Police Commissioner William Bratton promoted three so-called NYPD super chiefs Monday, but that hasn’t quieted critics who are continuing to say the commissioner forced former Chief Philip Banks out of the department. NY1 Dean Meminger filed the following report.
“Congratulations to those about to be promoted,” Police Commissioner William Bratton said Monday at the promotion ceremony for three top NYPD officials.
Among those: new Chief of Department James O’Neill, who has known commissioner Bratton for over 20 years.
Carlos Gomez is now Chief of Patrol and James Secreto is Chief of Housing.
“Part of their challenge is going to be to take our already historic low crime rates that benefit everybody in this city—no matter what their color—and to carry those forward into the next year,” Bratton said.
Last week’s sudden resignation of Chief Philip Banks was all the buzz at police headquarters. Over the weekend, Banks said in a news release, being first deputy commissioner would have been an honor but he felt that position would take him away from actual police work. He also said that he and Bratton tried, but couldn’t agree on the responsibilities.
“An extraordinary letter that I compliment him on that letter explaining his decision,” Bratton said.
Black and Latino law enforcement groups and elected officials are concerned Banks was being put in a position with less power.
“Philip Banks could have been one of the champions for us in terms of reforms. In July, after Eric Garner, Philip Banks was in Staten Island with us calming the crowd,” said City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson.
“It is hard to find someone who will tow the company line because he did, he was the police department and at the same time demand the respect of a diverse group of people,” said City Councilman Jumaane Williams.
“Any intelligent person who has a heart for this city and wants to see change don’t want to be hidden behind a desk in an office some where he has no authority. He has no say in anything,” said Charles Billups of the Grand Council of Guardians.
With this ongoing debate over just how much power the first deputy will have, Commissioner Bratton says it actually depends on who is appointed to the position.
“The individual who I will name on Wednesday—the configuration of the office under that person may look different than it would under Chief Banks. Again, it reflects the individual and the challenges of the time,” Bratton said.
Some speculate that it will be an African American already connected to the department.
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