NYPD Keechant Sewell losing power to NYC Mayor Eric Adams
The power dynamics at the New York Police Department (NYPD) have come into question following revelations that Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell requires approval from the Adams administration for most moves, according to The Post. While previous police commissioners had the authority to promote detectives to higher grades and make personnel decisions, Sewell is now bound by the mayor’s discretion. The paper’s sources suggest that Sewell already had little power, but lost more ground when she agreed to discipline Chief of Department Jefferey Maddrey, the NYPD’s highest-ranking officer. Maddrey was found to have abused his authority in a 2021 gun case involving a former NYPD officer. The NYC police have come under scrutiny for their handling of several high-profile incidents, and the new revelations raise concerns about the level of independence that the police force can exercise.
FAQs:
What is the role of Keechant Sewell in the NYPD?
Keechant Sewell is the current police commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), the largest police force in the United States. The police commissioner is responsible for overseeing the entire police force, including operations, policies, and personnel matters.
Why does Sewell require approval from the Adams administration?
According to police sources cited by The Post, Sewell requires approval from the Adams administration for most moves at the NYPD, including promoting detectives and making personnel decisions. The report suggests that such matters are now made at the discretion of the mayor, marking a departure from the historical practice in which police commissioners had greater autonomy in these areas.
What incident led to Sewell losing more ground?
The report suggests that Sewell lost more ground after approving discipline against Chief of Department Jefferey Maddrey, the NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed officer. Maddrey was found to have abused his authority in a 2021 gun case involving a former NYPD officer. The report alleges that Sewell’s decision met with resistance from City Hall, which wanted Maddrey to receive a pass instead.
What are the implications of Sewell’s reduced autonomy?
The revelation that Sewell requires approval from the Adams administration for most moves raises concerns about the level of independence that the police force can exercise. Given the high-profile incidents that have brought the NYPD under scrutiny, including its handling of Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the reduced autonomy of the police commissioner could potentially hinder attempts at reform within the NYPD.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams gains control over NYPD and Keechant Sewell loses power.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell has been stripped of much of her power at the NYPD, with most moves requiring approval from the Adams administration. While New York City police commissioners have historically had the authority to make personnel decisions such as promoting detectives or turning cops into detectives, Sewell is reportedly unable to do so without the Mayor’s approval.
Police sources say that Sewell had little power to begin with, but it diminished further when she approved discipline against Chief of Department Jeffery Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the NYPD. Maddrey was found to have abused his authority in a gun case earlier this year, but Sewell’s decision to discipline him allegedly did not sit well with City Hall.
“The patriarchy is in control,” said one source, referring to Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Philip Banks and Maddrey, among others. “Sewell is not in control of the NYPD.”
Additionally, police bosses will soon be required to fill out a form for City Hall approval for all transfers as Mayor Adams reportedly micromanages NYPD personnel moves. Police sources say that Sewell is “not in control” under the current administration.
An NYPD spokesperson declined to provide a comment on the matter.