Historic appointment to the head of the legendary New York Police Department. A black woman, Keechant Sewell, has been chosen by the city’s new mayor to lead the NYPD, a position usually held by white men. His appointment comes as the city recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and faces a rise in crime.
With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki
” She broke all the glass ceilings on her way “, He declared Tuesday, December 14 in the evening. By choosing Keechant Sewell, Eric Adams, the future mayor of New York, made a bold choice: that of placing a woman at the head of the NYPD. Unheard of in the 176 years of existence of the new york police.
” I am aware of the historic nature of my appointment. As the first woman, and only third black person to lead the NYPD, I bring a different perspective. And I pledge that the department looks like the city it serves ”Said Keechant Sewell.
I ran for Mayor on a promise: I will never ask NYers to decide between the safety we need & the justice we deserve.
I’m incredibly proud that Chief Keechant Sewell, a Queens native, will be working with me every day to deliver on that promise as the next @NYPDnews Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/zzuMN864yA
– Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) December 15, 2021
At 49, this career police officer, unknown to the general public, knows that the task will not be easy. This post is sensitive. The NYPD is often accused of violence and racism. Calls for reform have multiplied with the anti-racial violence movement of the past two years.
To this must be added the Covid-19 pandemic and above all a significant increase in crime. ” New York is at a crossroads! Our challenge is to ensure public safety while holding the police accountable for their actions. One does not prevent the other », Assured Keechant Sewell.
Security and justice, two promises also made by Eric Adams. The new mayor and his new chief of police are both due to take office in January.