New York City’s Police Commissioner Edward Caban has stepped down after serving just over a year as the leader of the largest police force in the United States. His resignation comes in the midst of a federal investigation, which included a search of his home earlier this month.
In a statement to the NYPD on Thursday, obtained by Bloomberg, Caban explained that the probe had become a distraction. “I’ve made the difficult decision to resign because my attention should be fully on the crucial work of protecting New Yorkers and supporting the men and women of the NYPD,” he said. “The NYPD deserves a leader whose focus is undivided.”
Caban is not facing any accusations of wrongdoing.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams swiftly appointed Thomas Donlon, a former FBI agent with extensive experience in counterterrorism and homeland security, as the interim commissioner. “I was surprised by these investigations,” Mayor Adams said during a press conference. “I take these matters extremely seriously.”
The federal investigation has put a spotlight on the NYPD and Adams’ inner circle. On September 4, federal agents searched the homes of Caban, Deputy Mayors Sheena Wright and Philip Banks, as well as other top aides to the mayor. Phones belonging to Caban, his twin brother James, and other high-ranking NYPD officers were confiscated.
The investigation is focused on allegations that James Caban, a consultant and former police officer, engaged in influence-peddling in New York City nightclubs. His lawyer, Sean Hecker, stated that James Caban denies any wrongdoing and is fully cooperating with the investigation, asserting that his work as a liaison between the NYPD and a private company is lawful.
This probe, one of several into Adams’ administration, adds pressure to the mayor as he struggles with declining approval ratings. A Quinnipiac University poll from December reported that Adams’ approval rating had fallen to 28%, the lowest since the university began polling the city’s residents nearly 30 years ago.
Several Democratic challengers have seized on the moment, including former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who criticized the mayor’s leadership, stating, “Adams’ chaotic administration has created dysfunction at the highest levels, including the NYPD.”
Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie also expressed concerns, saying, “At a time when strong leadership is crucial, especially in our police department, this resignation adds to the growing instability within the administration.”
James Caban, Edward’s brother, left the NYPD in 2001 following complaints of excessive force. In 2013, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail after failing to maintain a property he owned. The brothers remain close and own homes across the street from one another, according to a report by City & State.
Edward Caban’s departure marks another shift in leadership within the NYPD. He succeeded Keechant Sewell, the first female NYPD commissioner, who resigned after 18 months. Caban, the first Latino police commissioner, was appointed by Adams in July 2023, and had skipped the rank of chief when promoted to deputy commissioner in 2022, breaking the traditional path of ascent in the department.
Newly appointed interim Commissioner Thomas Donlon has a distinguished career, including key roles in counterterrorism, such as his work on the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation and other high-profile terrorism cases. Following his appointment, Donlon vowed to focus on reducing crime, enhancing transparency, and supporting NYPD officers.
Analysis: Caban’s resignation is not just a personal decision, but a potential turning point for New York City’s policing and governance. His abrupt exit amidst a federal probe casts a shadow over the current administration, at a time when public confidence in Mayor Adams is already waning. For investors or stakeholders in areas like real estate, hospitality, and security sectors, a leadership shakeup in the NYPD could impact crime management and influence New York’s business climate. The long-term consequences for Adams’ administration, particularly if the investigation broadens, could have financial and political ripple effects.
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