New York (BLAZETRENDS).- The New York Police, the largest police force in the United States and in the world in number of agents, will be directed starting this Monday for the first time by an American of Latin American origin, Edward Cabán.
“Being the first Hispanic commissioner of the New York Police is one of the greatest honors,” Cabán said at an event where New York Mayor Eric Adams announced his appointment.
Cabán, with a career of more than three decades in the city Police, had been acting commissioner (highest police chief) since last June, when the previous head of the uniformed officers, Keechant Sewel, resigned at the end of of that month.
Today marks a historic day
Although Sewell, the first woman to lead the largest police force in the country, never offered the reasons for her resignation after 18 months in office, several local media outlets pointed out her frustration at not being able to make certain decisions and considering herself “a straw woman” in the post.
Likewise, Cabán, 55, had already served as deputy commissioner.
Of Puerto Rican origin, Cabán was born and worked in the New York neighborhood of The Bronx. His father worked as a detective in the Traffic Department of the Police.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat, of Dominican origin and one of the most recognized Hispanic leaders in New York, tweeted: “Today marks a historic day for our city and a moment of fulfillment for Edward Cabán, as he becomes the first Police Commissioner. Latino from New York City.
General feeling of insecurity
From now on, Cabán will have to lead, already officially, a team made up of some 36,000 agents and 19,000 civilian employees.
“Leading such a distinguished group of people is the honor and privilege of a lifetime and a daily inspiration that will help shape my purpose as your Commissioner,” said Cabán, who also praised the work of his predecessor.
“This is an incredible moment not only for the Spanish-speaking community, but it is an incredible moment for the entire city and the country,” Adams said at his appointment ceremony.
Cabán’s appointment comes at a sensitive time for New York law enforcement, due to the general feeling of insecurity that has spread among New Yorkers.
While rates of gun shootings and murders, which have skyrocketed during the pandemic, have declined, other crimes have risen.
A survey released last week by the Siena Research Institute found that 70% of New York City residents say they are worried about becoming victims of violent crime and 87% think the problem of insecurity is “somehow serious” (30% of respondents) or “very serious” (57%).