Edward A. Caban, the New York City police commissioner, resigned following a request from City Hall after federal agents seized his phone as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. His resignation, effective at the end of Friday, came after only a year in the role and was seen as a response to the distraction caused by the investigation, which raised doubts about his ability to continue leading the department.
Caban, 57, in an email to the Police Department, cited the distraction as a key reason for stepping down. He stated, “The N.Y.P.D. deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City,” emphasizing his difficult decision to resign for the good of the department.
His departure underscores the broader turmoil within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which has been rocked by multiple federal investigations. City Hall requested the resignation as the investigation involving the city’s top law enforcement official created concerns over his ability to manage the department’s 36,000 officers. Mayor Adams, speaking to New Yorkers virtually, announced the appointment of Thomas G. Donlon, a veteran FBI counterterrorism official, as interim replacement, praising Caban’s service.
Caban’s lawyers clarified that federal prosecutors had informed them he was not a target of the investigation, and they reiterated his commitment to cooperate fully. Caban, who had served over 30 years with the N.Y.P.D., had not previously indicated any intention to resign, despite growing uncertainty about his future in the role.
This resignation comes at a challenging time for the N.Y.P.D., following the earlier resignation of Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell in June 2022. Although Caban’s tenure saw drops in crime rates and efforts to celebrate police successes, the department’s achievements have been overshadowed by the disarray surrounding the Adams administration.
Public officials, including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, expressed hopes that the resignation would bring stability to the department and help restore public trust.
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