Jessica Tisch has taken up her role as the 48th commissioner of the Police Department in the Adams administration, marking her place as only the second female leader in the department’s history. Tisch, who was officially sworn in on Monday, expressed her determination to reinstate the department’s honor, which has suffered turmoil and destabilization in recent years. Prior to her appointment, the department had faced several notable scandals, raising skepticism amongst critics regarding her ability to steer it towards a better future.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his unwavering support for Tisch, defending her managerial skills despite the fact that she hadn’t previously served as a uniformed officer. He quelled the criticisms by stating emphatically, ‘She is fully capable to take up any duty, wearing any uniform.’ Tisch is the fourth individual to helm the department under Adams’ administration, drawing both praise and scrutiny.
Tisch, a Harvard Law School alumna, has previously served as the chief of the city’s Sanitation Department. The 43-year-old brings her considerable leadership experience into her new role. During her swearing-in ceremony at 1 Police Plaza, she reaffirmed her commitment to restore stability and pride within the department, a sentiment deeply needed during these troubled times.
However, Tisch’s journey ahead will be a difficult one; crime rates may have dipped slightly in recent years, but public perception of safety remains a crucial concern. Furthermore, she takes command of a police force characterized by low morale, increasing workload, and calls for greater accountability in light of reported abuses. Overall, the challenges Tisch faces are multifaceted.
During her inaugural address, Tisch provided no specific details regarding how she plans to confront these imminent issues. Additionally, she did not comment on the recent department scandal which prompted the resignation of Edward Caban, the former commissioner, in September following a federal investigation. This controversy has cast a long shadow over the Adams administration.
Before Tisch’s appointment, the department was under interim commissioner Thomas Donlon, a former FBI agent and private security business runner. His management, though brief, bridged the gap between Caban’s unforeseen exit and Tisch’s arrival. But despite the department’s tangled past, Tisch remains positive about the force’s future.
Recalling her humble beginnings as an intelligence research specialist within the Police Department in 2008, her heartfelt speech revealed the faith she places in the rank and file officers of the department. Tisch went on to express her deep admiration for their work, referring to their role in maintaining public safety as ‘nothing less than extraordinary.’
Encouraging the officers, Tisch expressed a longing to restore prestige to the profession, voicing her hopes that the officers’ descendants would be proud to follow in their footsteps. She praised the officers for their commitment and integrity, drawing parallels between her aspiration for the department and the officers’ daily responsibilities.
In her speech, Tisch acknowledged Mayor Adams’ support throughout her term as the head of the Sanitation Department. She thanked him for his faith and deemed him a ‘spirited leader.’ Her gratitude extended to his trust in her judgment and autonomy, aspects she valued greatly.
Several former commissioners and chiefs note that Tisch’s effectiveness will largely depend upon the level of autonomy given to her by Mayor Adams. This freedom to select her executive team and make key appointments and promotions will significantly influence the direction she guides the Police Department. Acknowledging this, the department confirmed that Tisch hasn’t made her team selections yet.
During her swearing-in, Tisch took the oath of office on her grandmother’s Bible, held by her mother, Merryl. The moment was an emotional one, as Tisch’s sons, Larry and Harry, proudly watched the ceremony. The room was filled with anticipation and support as the Police Department welcomed their new commissioner.
Ever faithful to her past, Tisch’s audience included her former bosses and commissioners, Raymond W. Kelly, who hired her in 2008, and William J. Bratton, who later promoted her. Both leaders played pivotal roles in shaping Tisch’s early law enforcement career, guiding her path from a nascent specialist to a commissioner.
Before leading the Police Department, Tisch was the Sanitation Department head, appointed by Mayor Adams during challenging times. The city was grappling with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her appointment coincided with a cut in the budget for refuse collection and street sanitation, leading to increased complaints about urban rodents.
Tisch boldly confronted these problems, declaring during a speech, ‘We run this city, not the rats.’ She successfully advocated for street trash to be contained in bins and managed to hire 200 additional sanitation workers in November 2022 as part of her countermeasures to the crisis. This move earned her the support and respect of many within the department.
On Monday at the event, several former members of the Sanitation Department were present to show their support for Tisch, including Anthony Pennolino, the Chief of the Sanitation Department. Pennolino stated that he was ‘truly thrilled’ to witness Tisch’s move ‘from battling filth to battling crime.’
Jessica Tisch’s leadership, fortified by her tenacity, experience, and determination, signals a new phase for the Police Department. As she steps into her role, the hope is that she will restore honor to the force and guide it through the current challenges, shaping a safer tomorrow for New York City and its citizens.